If we could survive without a wife, citizens of Rome, all…
“If we could survive without a wife, citizens of Rome, all of us would do without that nuisance; but since nature has so decreed that we cannot manage comfortably with them, nor live in any way without them, we must plan for our lasting preservation rather than for our temporary pleasure.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Men cannot comfortably live without wives, so society should prioritize lasting preservation over fleeting pleasure.
In simple terms: Wives are essential for societal stability.
Key Takeaway
Value lasting relationships.
Themes
marriage
society
preservation
Mood
reflective
historical
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- family planning
- marriage counseling
- social policy
Key Concepts
Roman law
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives exist for those without spouses?
- How does this view affect gender roles?
A Different Perspective
Assumes universal desire for marriage.