In the passage from "The Raven King" by Maggie Stiefvater, Gansey grapples with the challenge of defining love, which he perceives as an abstract and complex concept that has eluded clear explanation throughout history. His frustration is evident as he responds to an unexpected question, highlighting that love, much like the basic human needs for air and food, inherently ties back to our primal instincts and desires for survival.

Gansey further illustrates this connection by contrasting love with simple human actions, such as breathing and eating, implying that love can be felt and recognized in moments of peace and security. His reflection suggests that love involves deep emotional responses that provide comfort and tranquility, much like the relief we find after physical concerns are met, emphasizing its profound and sometimes ineffable nature.