In this essay I formulate some reflections around the theme feelings and education.1 I will outline some essential features of the research and will argue that a historical approach to the subject will contribute by adding nuance to and complementing the often one-sided and misleading discussions that have marked the debate both within and outside of academia. In a subsequent part of the text I will concretise my reasoning by discussing one specific phenomenon from the past. I have chosen the (...) example of love and will discuss the function it serves in higher education. The focus of the discussion will alternate between the Swedish context and international perspectives. (shrink)