Companionship Quote by Musonius Rufus
““In marriage there must be complete companionship and concern for each other on the part of both husband and wife, in health and in sickness and at all times, because they entered upon the marriage for this reason as well as to produce offspring. When such caring for one another is perfect, and the married couple provide it for one another, and each strives to outdo the other, then this is marriage as it ought to be and deserving of emulation, since it is a noble union. But when one partner looks to his own interests alone and neglects the other's, or (by Zeus) the other is so minded that he lives in the same house, but keeps his mind on what is outside it, and does not wish to pull together with his partner or to cooperate, then inevitably the union is destroyed, and although they live together their common interests fare badly, and either they finally get divorced from one another or they continue on in an existence that is worse than loneliness.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: De Institutionibus, 1st century CE
Marriage thrives on mutual care, shared purpose, and selfless partnership; neglect leads to decay.
In simple terms: Good marriage needs mutual care and shared goals.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate reciprocal support in relationships.
Themes
marriage
partnership
mutual care
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- family life
- counseling
- relationship building
Key Concepts
selflessness
shared purpose
nobility
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions demonstrate selfless partnership?
- How can couples maintain shared purpose?
A Different Perspective
Self-interest can erode even strong bonds.
