Amor vincit omnia, a latin sentiment oft repeated by hopeless romantics like myself, means that love conquers all.

But what does that really mean? Some people think that in today’s society we overuse the word ‘love’, saying it to everyone like it means nothing. I don’t abide by this though, as I believe that human beings are capable of so much love and positivity, and frankly, I don’t think we’re using enough of it. In a world where there is so much violence and hatred, love really can conquer all-- but only if we let it.

A couple weeks ago now, my significant other went to a wedding. It was somewhat traditional, but afterward, he said something to me that got me thinking. He said, “Traditions and things like that are nice, but I don’t really think they matter so much if you’re really in love.”

Of course, he was right, but it prompted me to think of how traditions have shaped how we view the concept of love in regards to romance, friendships, and even family ties.

I study neuroscience and psychology, so there’s a part of my brain that understands that love is a rush of oxytocin, serotonin, etc. On the other hand--or should I say hemisphere--there’s also a little part of me that knows that love also requires a little bit of magic, a spark between people that science just can’t explain.

That spark doesn’t have to be romantic necessarily, it could be the connection I have with my best friend, that thing allows us to not talk for weeks sometimes and yet pick up right where we left off when we talk again. It could be the feeling you get when you get home to the warm greeting of a furry friend, the simple moments shared with friendly strangers whose path just so happens to cross yours, or the feeling of security you have in a particularly positive workplace.

Our traditions, daily and otherwise, shape how we see, feel, and create love in our everyday lives, but they aren't the most important factor. We can feel love without tradition, and in fact, I believe we have to.

Love is what makes us human and in some ways, I think we’ve forgotten that. Humanity has an innate capability to be amazing, and not to discount the awful things humanity as a whole has done, but the beautiful thing about humanity is that we can always make the choice between right and wrong.

We can make the choice to educate ourselves, to be accepting, tolerant, and compassionate toward our fellow man. It doesn’t matter where we come from or what traditions we consider to be ours, we are all human. Our love and compassion for each other will be what changes the world and pushes out the negativity. The world may never be perfect, but if we let love win a little more often, it’ll be well on its way.