German and English treat abstract nouns somewhat differently. In the singular, German attaches the definite article to certain kinds of abstraction, while English does not: e.g., Die Liebe versagt nie (Love never fails). Yet one can also say, Kinder brauchen Liebe (Children need love). In other words, the German employs the article when naming a unique abstract quality (die Liebe) and omits it when labeling an individualized quality or entity whose form or quantity is of importance (Liebe). Put another way, die Liebe refers to the absolute category of love, while Liebe designates a specific kind of love. The English structure does not mark this differentiation.

From here

Ancient Greek also uses the article for abstract nouns, and also for proper names. The wisdom; the Socrates.