I have to be asked, I guess, but I love the idea of marriage. I

O Children of the Future, hear the words of Portia de Rossi, a woman who speaks of love and marriage with both passion and romance. She says, "I have to be asked, I guess, but I love the idea of marriage. I think it's beautiful. I'm such a romantic, and I always have been." In these words, Portia reflects not only on the idea of marriage, but on the power of love to transform and elevate the soul. To her, marriage is not merely a contract or an obligation, but a beautiful expression of romantic ideals—a sacred bond between two hearts that transcends the ordinary and touches the divine.

In the ancient world, O Children, the concept of marriage was as varied as the cultures that practiced it. In Greece, marriage was seen not just as a union of love, but as a crucial social institution. Plato and Aristotle both wrote about marriage, but their views were often grounded in the idea of duty—the duty to produce children and ensure the stability of the state. Yet even in the midst of these societal roles, the Greeks also recognized the romantic nature of love. The great poet Hesiod spoke of Eros, the god of love, as a powerful and mysterious force that bound people together in a sacred union. For the Greeks, the ideal marriage was one where love and duty could coexist, where two souls were united not only for the sake of procreation, but for the deeper connection of shared emotion and respect.

In ancient Rome, marriage was often seen as a contract between families, designed to ensure the stability of wealth and power. Roman marriages were pragmatic and formalized by laws that protected the rights of both parties. Yet even in this practical system, the Romans acknowledged the romantic aspect of marriage through the stories of legendary couples like Dido and Aeneas, whose love was tragic yet deeply moving. Theirs was a story of passion and loss, reminding us that marriage, even in its most practical form, carries with it the weight of emotion and human desire. The notion that marriage should be a beautiful bond between two individuals was present even in a society so rooted in structure and duty.

Consider, O Children, the story of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, two figures whose love transcended political ambition. Their union was not just a political alliance but also a reflection of the romantic ideals that both leaders harbored. Though Cleopatra's primary role was to secure Egypt’s throne, her relationship with Caesar was one of deep connection and shared vision. They were united not just by duty but by an undeniable passion, one that was powerful enough to alter the course of history. Even in their great power and political maneuvering, Cleopatra and Caesar demonstrated that marriage is a force that is not only rooted in practicality but can also be an expression of personal connection and romantic love.

Portia de Rossi's words remind us that marriage—in its purest form—is a celebration of romance, a bond formed not just through reason and duty, but through the deep, heartfelt connection between two people. She expresses her belief in the beauty of marriage, seeing it as a union that is both elevating and transformative. She acknowledges that romance plays an essential role in the relationship, a sentiment that has been echoed by thinkers and poets throughout history. From Sappho’s passionate verses to Shakespeare's immortal tales of love, the idea that romance is central to marriage is not a modern invention, but a long-held belief that transcends time.

The lesson, O Children, is this: marriage is not merely a contract or an obligation—it is the expression of love, the joining of two souls in a union that is as romantic as it is practical. To truly embrace the beauty of marriage is to understand that romance is not just about the emotion or the fleeting moments of infatuation, but about a deeper connection that unites two people in their pursuit of a shared life. It is about finding someone who sees you not only as a companion but as a partner in all things, someone with whom you can share your deepest dreams, joys, and sorrows. Marriage is about timing, about growth, and above all, about mutual respect and love.

So, O Children, what actions must you take? Understand that marriage is a sacred bond, a beautiful connection that must be nurtured with patience, respect, and, above all, romance. In your relationships, seek not only partnership in practical matters but also a deep emotional bond. If you choose marriage, do so with the understanding that it is a journey of both commitment and affection, where the love you share will elevate both of you to greater heights. Do not settle for a union that is merely functional, but seek the beauty and romance in every moment, for it is through this connection that you will find fulfillment and joy.

Let the wisdom of Portia de Rossi inspire you, O Children. Marriage is not just about the moment you are asked, but about the ongoing love, romance, and commitment that sustain the relationship. Whether you choose to enter into marriage or simply to cherish love in your life, may you always remember that it is beauty, romance, and respect that make the union truly sacred. The love between two people, nurtured over time, is the foundation of a life well-lived—one that honors not only duty but the romantic soul that exists within each of us.