The best reason to get married!

[The Duke]

Quote of the day by Socrates: 'By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.'

Socrates' enduring quote on marriage reveals a profound insight into personal growth and philosophical reflection. He suggested that both happy and difficult marriages serve as catalysts for introspection. Adversity, in particular, sharpens the mind, encouraging self-examination and the...

economictimes.indiatimes.com

By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher. - Socrates


Socrates' Quote and its Meaning

Few quotes from antiquity feel as surprisingly modern as this wry observation attributed to Socrates. With a single sentence, the legendary Greek thinker blends humour, realism, and philosophical depth—qualities that define much of his enduring legacy. At first glance, the quote reads like a joke about marriage. But beneath the wit lies a sharp insight into human relationships, personal growth, and the origins of philosophical reflection.

Socrates, who lived in Athens around 470–399 BC, is widely regarded as one of the greatest philosophers in history and is often called the first moral philosopher of the Western tradition. Unlike many thinkers who followed him, Socrates wrote nothing down. What we know of his ideas comes mainly from the writings of his students and contemporaries, especially Plato and Xenophon. Through their works, Socrates appears as a relentless questioner—someone who believed that wisdom begins with recognising ones own ignorance.

The famous quote on marriage captures this spirit perfectly. On one level, Socrates suggests that marriage is unavoidable and transformative. A happy marriage, he implies, brings contentment and emotional fulfilment. But a difficult one, instead of simply leading to misery, can push a person inward—towards reflection, questioning, and ultimately philosophy. In other words, hardship becomes a teacher. Suffering sharpens the mind, encourages self-examination, and forces individuals to search for meaning beyond comfort.

This idea aligns closely with Socratic philosophy itself. Socrates believed that an unexamined life was not worth living. Challenges—whether social, emotional, or personal—were opportunities to examine beliefs, values, and assumptions. A “bad” marriage, in this sense, becomes a metaphor for life’s inevitable struggles, which often provoke the deepest thinking and self-awareness.

Socrates was also a deeply controversial figure in Athenian society. His habit of questioning authority, tradition, and popular opinion earned him both devoted followers and powerful enemies. In 399 BC, he was charged with impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. After a brief trial, he was sentenced to death. Refusing chances to escape, Socrates accepted his fate and died by drinking poison, as famously recounted by Plato—remaining true to his principles until the end.

Centuries later, this quote continues to resonate because it speaks to a universal truth: joy may make life pleasant, but adversity often makes it meaningful. Whether through happiness or hardship, Socrates reminds us, life has a way of turning us into philosophers—if we are willing to think.

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I doubt I will ever get married again, but am happy for the experience as it taught me a lot about life. Post divorce I was able to grow as a person and push myself to higher levels. Many have lived vicariously thru my adventures. I thank every one of those women I was with for the good times and even the bad that helped shape me. Without all of these experiences I would still be the typical guy that didn't really understand women.

When I share my "philosphies" here on SoSuave it makes me wonder how many women Socrates went thru before he figured it out and developed his philosophies.

 

[Travel memoir21]

Lol...wasn't Socrates a Vegetarian? Smart dude indeed....careful with The Philosopher path when it comes to doing anything technical. This stuff is like martial arts at the end of the day and there's a scene in The Movie Last Samurai where Tom Cruise is in the rain getting his ass whooped and being taught the concept of ' no mind'....just let everything flow and let the game come to you. Just that natural element or nature takes its course to to it ya know.

 

[BackInTheGame78]

You are a simp that thinks "locking her down" will prevent her from leaving or fvcking other men.

 

[Travel memoir21]

You are a simp that thinks "locking her down" will prevent her from leaving or fvcking other men.

What's wrong with Locking her down? Women wants security and that's a prerequisite to a relationship or marriage. As far as her screwing other man, that's why you gotta think about the screening and lifestyle process too. The Art of screening for red flags is not talked about in this site enough. Lifestyle wise, you gotta evaluate what type of girl she is, her body count and her faith or religion all comes to play. Things like your occupation also comes at play here. I'm a Retired Air Force Veteran who can afford to live in a lot of cool countries across the globe and I wouldn't mind becoming a house dad if I have to if it interferes with the relationship with her and the kids. My pension would supplement her income and we'd be happy. So that's an example right there, on the circumstances depending on the situation. Relationships are a freakin compromise here is it not? What do you think?

 

[Bible_Belt]

The best reason to get married

$$$$$$$$$$

 

[Gamisch]

Only issue I have is that Socrates had no idea how modern dating would look like ( obviously).

Marriage is unnecessary. Like base jumping; extremely fun if everything goes right, lethal if it goes wrong. And the stats are NOT in your favor!

I will repeat this till the day I day: Marriage is the ultimate reward for a woman who went through all the stages with you while her behaviourwas consistentie even better it improved because she grew with you;

LTR, child, cohabitation, engagement and finally after at least 5 years maybe marriage.

 

[Bible_Belt]

Only issue I have is that Socrates had no idea how modern dating would look like ( obviously).

Marriage is unnecessary. Like base jumping; extremely fun if everything goes right, lethal if it goes wrong. And the stats are NOT in your favor!

I will repeat this till the day I day: Marriage is the ultimate reward for a woman who went through all the stages with you while her behaviourwas consistentie even better it improved because she grew with you;

LTR, child, cohabitation, engagement and finally after at least 5 years maybe marriage.

I married for money when I was 21, so I could get student loans. Her mom payed our rent because my wife was literally a princess in her home country. Her uncle was on their $1 bill. She ended up divorcing me but still calls to tell me she regrets it.

 

[Pandora]

I married for money when I was 21, so I could get student loans. Her mom payed our rent because my wife was literally a princess in her home country. Her uncle was on their $1 bill. She ended up divorcing me but still calls to tell me she regrets it.

What reason did she give for divorcing you? Was she easy to live with?

 

[Scaramouche]

I married for money when I was 21, so I could get student loans. Her mom payed our rent because my wife was literally a princess in her home country. Her uncle was on their $1 bill. She ended up divorcing me but still calls to tell me she regrets it.

Hi Bibles,
I suppose you being Prince Consort,means you have the Royal Coat of Arms.painted on the door of your pick up?

 

[Bible_Belt]

What reason did she give for divorcing you? Was she easy to live with?

She didnt want to live in the Midwest where I am from. And no, not that easy to live with.

 

[Scaramouche]

Hi Bibles,
An interesting story,the moral of which is,getting tied up with a Lady from a privileged background,beautiful Princess though she may be,is a double edged sword....An Oriental having had servants dripping off her,is not likely to settle into a pioneering life style in the backwoods....Did you never think of semi retirement to a soft life out East? There are worse places than The Malayan Highlands or an Indian Hill Station.

 

[Bible_Belt]

Hi Bibles,
An interesting story,the moral of which is,getting tied up with a Lady from a privileged background,beautiful Princess though she may be,is a double edged sword....An Oriental having had servants dripping off her,is not likely to settle into a pioneering life style in the backwoods....Did you never think of semi retirement to a soft life out East? There are worse places than The Malayan Highlands or an Indian Hill Station.

They had a dozen or so servants when she was young. It made her lazy, which isn't compatible with me.

 

[RoadKing_Rabbit]

Quote of the day by Socrates: 'By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.'

Socrates' enduring quote on marriage reveals a profound insight into personal growth and philosophical reflection. He suggested that both happy and difficult marriages serve as catalysts for introspection. Adversity, in particular, sharpens the mind, encouraging self-examination and the...

economictimes.indiatimes.com

By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher. - Socrates

That is my FAVORITE classical philosopher's quote!

 

[viking22]

Socrates quote is from a "till death do us part" era where marriage was very much a life sentence and you had to stick with your choice for the rest of your life. Now of course if you made the wrong choice you can get out even if it does come with a very heavy penalty.

We also live in a society epitomised by the movie "Eat Pray Love". The Julia Roberts character had a good husband and after 8 years of marriage decided she wasn't happy and decides to go on a journey of self-discovery which surprise surprise involved travel meditation and having affairs with random men before eventually ending up with some Brazilian guy she fell in love with on her travels.

There's a lot to be said for marrying fairly young. If it doesn't work out then you're resilient enough to bounce back and it will serve as a good learning experience you're likely to be asset poor so she's getting half of next to nothing. If it does work out then you've got that fantastic bond, you enjoy your prime years together, and you have someone you can grow old with.

I think the calculus changes a bit if you are getting married in your 40s and probably to a much younger woman still capable of child bearing and you've likely accumulated a significant amount of assets. In that scenario a costly divorce can really set back your chances of having a comfortable retirement and not having to work until you drop and it is a lot more difficult to be philosophical. It varies by country but pre-nups are rarely rock solid and what judges consider "fair" heavily favours women.

There are no easy answers. But getting married with the idea that heads you win tails you win is the wrong idea. It is one of the most important choices you make in your life and it is best to try and pick as wisely as you can.

There are no certainties. But it certainly helps if a) she is a good person with good morals and generally happy and content b) she is low maintenance c) she is from a conservative background and somewhat traditional. Left leaning progressive women may be fun in bed but generally I wouldn't imagine they'd make good wives d) she feels she has to work to get you to put a ring on the finger.
I am sure there are others that people can add to this list.

That will of course rule out many beautiful and sexy women. But trophy wives are a luxury that only the very rich can afford and even then they usually end up paying a fortune in divorce at the end of it. And having LMS doesn't spare them because it happens to the most handsome famous actors sports stars etc. The problem today is that many regular women have princess syndrome. But there is a middle ground of women in the 6-7 range that take care of their appearance, have good values, aren't addicted to social media/dating apps, are giving and would make good mothers etc and I think for most men if they work hard on themselves they have a chance of getting one of those if marriage and kids is what they want.

 

[BaronOfHair]

Trauma of any sort has it's perks... Prompting us to contemplate the greater complexities of life being chief among them

 

[Divorced w 3]

I’ve been lucky to only marry or seriously date good women. My life got significantly better for it, however I also learned a lot about myself including both strengths and weaknesses. A good partner will provide backbone where it’s needed but support you on your path.

 

[jhonny9546]

I married for money when I was 21, so I could get student loans. Her mom payed our rent because my wife was literally a princess in her home country. Her uncle was on their $1 bill. She ended up divorcing me but still calls to tell me she regrets it.

It would be interesting to know more in terms of his/her social group at the time, family culture and traditions.

 

[jhonny9546]

That will of course rule out many beautiful and sexy women. But trophy wives are a luxury that only the very rich can afford and even then they usually end up paying a fortune in divorce at the end of it. And having LMS doesn't spare them because it happens to the most handsome famous actors sports stars etc. The problem today is that many regular women have princess syndrome. But there is a middle ground of women in the 6-7 range that take care of their appearance, have good values, aren't addicted to social media/dating apps, are giving and would make good mothers etc and I think for most men if they work hard on themselves they have a chance of getting one of those if marriage and kids is what they want.

In recent years, after my own experiences (and those of others), I seek friendship and that sense of connection and respect.
If I find him, I know that I have found a person with whom it is worth spending time (before money, effort, energy).