Discussion: Definitions

1. Mark Twain's definition of love is his perspective. Love can mean many things to many people.

2. The definition of a cloud also seems perspective. We all know that clouds do not have a 'fleecy texture' as they consist of water and therefore feel like mist.

1. 

This definition is ineffective as it is circular. In Twains definition love is defined as ‘an irresistible desire’, which means this definition can be rephrased as; love is the desire to be loved. Defining love by its relation to being loved inherently provides no answers.

Love: A deeply passionate affection

2. 

I think this definition is more appropriate, although it is based purely on appearances rather than what scientifically constitutes a cloud. I would change the use of ‘texture’ as it implies a solid physical property to something that isnt solid. 

A better definition would describe the scientific processes behind clouds with less focus on appearances. 

1. Discuss Mark Twain's definition of love: "Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."
2. Discuss this definition of a cloud: "A cloud is a large, semi-transparent mass with fleecy texture suspended in the atmosphere whose shape is subject to continual change."

       1. Mark Twain's​ definition​ of love is the basis of  love,  i would describe love as the intimacy, passion, and strong feelings that you have for another individual. It does not have to be just the individuals, but it can come in many forms.The definition of love vary from person​ to person. There is more to love than just the irresistible​ desire.

    2. A cloud is a white mass that cover the atmosphere. Scientifically it is formed from the water cycle. But it literally can be described as a fluffy white mass floating up in sky and gives rain.

Let’s evaluate both definitions. 

Mark Twain's Definition of Love "Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired." This definition captures a dimension of love that emphasizes desire and mutual attraction. However, it may be seen as somewhat superficial or narrow, as it focuses mainly on the aspect of longing without addressing deeper elements of love, such as emotional connection, commitment, and care for another person’s well-being.

Improved Definition: "Love is a profound, multifaceted emotional bond characterized by affection, attachment, and a deep desire for the happiness and fulfillment of another person."

Definition of a Cloud "A cloud is a large, semi-transparent mass with fleecy texture suspended in the atmosphere whose shape is subject to continual change." 

Evaluation: This definition offers a good starting point by describing a cloud’s physical characteristics and its dynamic nature. However, it doesn't capture the scientific aspects of clouds, like their formation, composition, or the role they play in the climate system. 

Improved Definition: “A cloud is a visible mass of condensed water vapor suspended in the atmosphere, which forms when moist air rises and cools, resulting in various shapes and types, including cumulus, stratus, and cirrus, which are influenced by atmospheric conditions."

I find Mark Twain’s definition of love intriguing because it succinctly captures the essence of desire. However, love is far broader and encompasses emotional support, trust, and connection, which are crucial in healthy relationships. For the definition of a cloud, while it describes what clouds look like, I believe it's essential to incorporate more scientific context to understand how they function and impact weather patterns. 

This definition of love is too narrow. Love is not a feeling able to be put into a controlled singular definition.

The definition of a cloud is understandable, not too much use or narrow and it is a fact 

This quote about love shouldn’t be taken as a formal definition but rather it is an expression of how Twain felt at the time. The definition of love is far too broad to fully explain in this limited capacity. 

The cloud definition is also flawed in that it leads one to believe that a cloud must fit this criteria, which is far from accurate or complete. 

Mark Twain's definition is a selfish one where the person wants to be loved. A more appropriate one is "Treating others the way you want to be treated and vice versa".

A cloud is a mass of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmospherewhose shape is subject to continual change.

According to Mark Twain, the definition of love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. While Mark Twain has a Pointe, it all depends on what you were trying to love. Are you trying to love yourself or another? Are you trying to love a living being or an inanimate object? Next, the definition of a cloud is a large, semi transparent mass with fleecy texture suspended in the atmosphere, whose shape is subject to continual change. What if you had never seen a cloud before? Or you didn’t know that those fluffy things in the sky were called clouds

1. Love is also putting another before yourself. Love is unconditional caring and support. Love is a feeling and an energy.

2.  Clouds can be small and opaque, they also form from condensation in the sky.

Hi,

Since love is abstract, it would be hard to provide an universal definition. A scientist could look at hormones, a psychologist could look at psychological constructs, a poet could use verses, and so. The cloud example seemed to be too broad. If I drop a cotton ball out of a plane window, would it turn into a cloud?

Best,

Jake

Twain’s definition of “love” may be correct to him, but since many of us have our own definition of love, and since several definitions of love are possible, Twain’s definition is very limited and narrow. Plus, “love” is used in different ways throughout society, so multiple definitions may be necessary if we are to truly define it.  For example, the love I have for my sons is very different than my love of chocolate.

I define love as:

1. The choice to always do good to another living creature, and not harm,

2. A strong desire of satisfaction and joy when experiencing something.

In the definition of “cloud,” the terms “fleecy texture” should be eliminated because we cannot touch a cloud, as by this definition it is suspended in the atmosphere, so we do not know that it has a fleece texture.

1. Love being an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired is a shallow definition of love and better fits a definition of lust. I would define love as a deep emotional connection that is often accompanied by an emotional and or physical desire.

2. This definition for a cloud only tells us about how a cloud looks and nothing about what it id made of. A better definition would be a cloud is a visible mass that is suspended in the atmosphere made of water vapor or ice particles.

1. In order to define love, it would have to be specified what kind of love, but maybe include the feeling of putting someone else before one's self.
2. to define cloud it should include how it is formed and that it releases moisture in its various forms

1: Mark describes the intense feeling one person can have for another. Person 1 desires Person 2 so deeply that they wish for Person 2 to desire them just as intensely.

This captures the egoistic tendency that romantic love can have in terms of attraction, as well as the deep fear of loss that often accompanies it.

However, it does not define the entire concept of love, as it only describes attraction and romantic emotions between two individuals.

A possible definition could be:

“A feeling that spans multiple categories, including romantic love (Eros), self-love (Autophilia), parental love (Filial Love), and love for material things (Consumeristic Love).

2:

Describing a cloud as a mass with a fleecy texture primarily captures its visual appearance rather than what a cloud actually is.

An interpretation could be:

“A cloud consists of cooled water vapor that condenses into tiny water droplets or ice particles, forming the clouds we see in the sky. Wind, temperature, and humidity constantly change the cloud’s shape”

I would not take Mark Twain’s definition of love too seriously, since by my impression he had a tendency to desire to stir up conversations. Love is probably best defined and characterized by the 9 different words for Love in the Old Greek language. They are worthy of studying. Most nowadays truly mistake what love is - and what it isn’t. Definitions matter! Better have that 9 Greek Definition ms squared away and in your brain before you go into marriage!

And the definition of a cloud is just hilarious - nowadays. I wonder if it came about a few hundred years ago? Plenty of posts here in the thread on a more scientific definition.

Thanks!