Socrates on Love and Marriage

Even the wife of a great man like Socrates was unhappy with him. Why was she so unhappy? Because he would get so engrossed in philosophical debates that he would forget he even had a wife.

One day, he was so engrossed in philosophical discussions that he forgot to drink his morning tea. His wife became so angry; she had made tea and was sitting outside discussing it with his disciples. Her anger knew no bounds. She brought the full kettle and poured it over his head.

Half of his face burned. His face would remain burned for the rest of his life. That half turned black. But Socrates just laughed. His disciples asked, "Are you laughing at this pain?" He said, "No, I laugh because we have made a woman's mind so small! To her, even philosophy, this philosophical debate, seems like a stepmother's wife."

She didn't pour this tea on me; I was just an instrument. If she could find philosophy somewhere, she would cut off my neck.  Philosophy cannot be found anywhere, so I am just an excuse. Someone asked Socrates—a young man—“I am thinking of getting married.” He thought, “Who could be more experienced than you? You are the pinnacle of thought, you have all the sweet and bitter experiences of life. What advice do you have?” You will be surprised to hear Socrates’ advice. Socrates said, “Get married.” The young man said, “You are saying I should get married! And I know all the stories. I know everything that happens between you and your wife, Xanthippe, every day. Those rumors have reached me too. Even if one percent of them are true, that is enough to prevent marriage.” Socrates said, “One hundred percent of them are true, but still I tell you, get married. Marriage has its benefits!” The young man said, “Let me hear them. What are the benefits?” Socrates said, “If you find a good wife, an understanding wife, your love will expand. And the expansion of love is the greatest benefit in this world.”  And if you find a wife like me, detachment will arise. And detachment transcends attachment. It is the pinnacle of love. It is love for God. In both cases, you will benefit.

Read more : -  The Liberation of the Mind