Falling in love, although it resulted in altered body chemistry and was therefore real, was a hormonally induced delusional state, according to him. In addition it was humiliating, because it put you at a disadvantage, it gave the love object too much power. As for sex per se, it lacked both challenge and novelty, and was on the whole a deeply imperfect solution to the problem of intergenerational genetic transfer.
In Margaret Atwood's "Oryx and Crake," the concept of falling in love is presented as a real condition influenced by hormonal changes, yet it is characterized as a delusion. The protagonist views love as a humiliating experience, where the power dynamic shifts unfairly in favor of the person being loved. This imbalance creates a disadvantage for the individual expressing love, as their emotions can cloud their judgment and agency.
Moreover, the book discusses sex in terms of its limitations. It is portrayed as lacking the excitement and challenge often sought in relationships. Rather than serving as a meaningful connection between individuals, sex is described as a flawed approach to ensuring the continuity of genetic material across generations, highlighting the book's critique of traditional views on love and intimacy.
