Can a species exist without love?

Humans have a unique capacity for romantic attachment, a form of love that extends beyond mere reproduction. This emotional bond, characterized by a deep connection with our sexual partners, is evident even in societies with arranged marriages. Nicholas Christakis explains that while pre-marital love might be discouraged in these cultures, post-marital love is highly valued and often leads to successful, long-lasting marriages.

This love is contrasted with most species, which do not form such sustained attachments after a single sexual encounter. However, some species, particularly about 90% of birds and certain mammals, exhibit social monogamy and form lifelong bonds with their mates. This suggests that while love is not a necessity for a species to exist, it plays a significant role in human relationships and social structures, reinforcing the deep emotional and social bonds between partners 1 .

For a more in-depth discussion, you can check out the episode "Nicholas Christakis on Humanity, Biology, and What Makes Us Good" from the Mindscape Podcast.