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Both men and women today see marriage not as a way of…

“Both men and women today see marriage not as a way of creating character and community but as a way to reach personal life goals. They are looking for a marriage partner who will 'fulfill their emotional, sexual, and spiritual desires.' And that creates an extreme idealism that in turn leads to a…” quote by Timothy Keller
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“Both men and women today see marriage not as a way of creating character and community but as a way to reach personal life goals. They are looking for a marriage partner who will 'fulfill their emotional, sexual, and spiritual desires.' And that creates an extreme idealism that in turn leads to a deep pessimism that you will ever find the right person to marry.”

Timothy Keller

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Marriage is increasingly seen as a means to personal fulfillment rather than character building, leading to unrealistic expectations and pessimism about finding a true partner.

In simple terms: People treat marriage as a personal goal, causing disappointment.

Key Takeaway

Seek character and community over personal gain.

Themes

marriage expectations community individualism

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical relationship

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • marriage counseling
  • personal development
  • relationship workshops

Key Concepts

relationship theory idealism pessimism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does character mean to you in a partnership?
  • How can you balance personal goals with mutual growth?
A Different Perspective

Idealistic expectations can ignore practical compatibility.

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