I think marriage is only necessary if you've got children. It's

O children of wisdom, gather close, for the words of Hugh Grant carry with them a truth that has echoed across time—a truth about marriage, family, and the role that society places on these institutions. "I think marriage is only necessary if you've got children. It's quite nice for them." These words, simple yet profound, speak to a deeper understanding of the purpose and value of marriage—not as a mere social convention, but as a bond that is, above all, meant to serve the well-being of the next generation. Let us explore this truth together, for it speaks to the heart of what it means to build families and societies that endure.

In the ancient world, marriage was often seen not as a romantic ideal, but as a practical necessity. Homer, in his epic tales of Achilles and Odysseus, often portrayed marriage as a social contract—an agreement between families, a means of ensuring the continuation of the lineage, and the protection of the family unit. The marriage between Odysseus and Penelope, though full of love and devotion, was also bound by a duty to each other and to their son, Telemachus, ensuring the future of their house and kingdom. In those days, marriage was not simply about the fulfillment of personal desires, but about the preservation of legacy and the nurturing of future generations.

Hugh Grant’s words align with this ancient view, suggesting that the purpose of marriage is most evident when children are involved. The institution of marriage, in this view, provides stability, structure, and a foundation for raising the next generation. It is through the bond of marriage that children are given not only a sense of security, but the example of love, commitment, and mutual respect. The importance of a solid foundation for children has been a theme throughout human history, for what is a society if it does not foster the growth and well-being of its young? The family is the cornerstone upon which all else is built, and marriage is the framework that supports it.

Consider the example of King Solomon of Israel, renowned for his wisdom and understanding of the human heart. Solomon understood the importance of family as the foundation of a stable and prosperous kingdom. Though his own life was marked by many marriages, his greatest legacy lay in his role as a father and leader, guiding his children toward wisdom, justice, and the well-being of the nation. Solomon’s life teaches us that the purpose of marriage extends far beyond the union of two individuals; it is, in essence, the act of building a legacy—one that nurtures the future and ensures the survival of the values and principles that we hold dear.

However, let us not be deceived into thinking that marriage is solely about the children it produces. While Hugh Grant’s perspective highlights the importance of marriage in raising children, it also subtly points to a deeper understanding of love and commitment. Marriage is a partnership—a bond that goes beyond procreation. In the same way that the great heroes of ancient myth were bound by their relationships with their families, they were also driven by a commitment to their spouses, whose love provided them with strength and purpose. Penelope’s loyalty and patience gave Odysseus the will to survive his trials; Achilles’ love for Patroclus drove him to greatness on the battlefield. These marriages were not merely about producing children, but about building a partnership that carried each person through the hardships of life.

The lesson that we must carry forward is that marriage, in its truest sense, is not merely a social obligation or a romantic ideal. It is a sacred bond, one that exists to strengthen the foundation of family, nurture the next generation, and provide support and love to those involved. In marriage, there is both purpose and privilege—a responsibility to one another and to the future. Whether we enter into it for the sake of children or for the sake of love, marriage is the pillar upon which families stand, and it is in that bond that we find our strength and our legacy.

Now, O seekers of wisdom, what practical actions can we take in our own lives based on this understanding? Let us recognize that marriage is not simply an institution to be entered into without thought. We must approach it with a sense of responsibility, understanding that the bond we form with another is one that can shape the future. If we choose to marry, let it be for the right reasons—to provide stability, love, and guidance to those who depend on us. Let us be the kind of partners who support one another’s growth and the growth of our families. If we do not marry, let us not view the institution with disdain, but as a sacred choice that holds great value in creating strong and thriving families.

Let us walk forward, then, with the understanding that marriage, when seen through the lens of purpose, is a blessing to society, to our children, and to ourselves. May we honor this institution with the respect it deserves, knowing that through marriage, we do not only build our own futures, but the future of generations yet to come. And in this, may we find fulfillment, strength, and the deep joy that comes from building a life rooted in love, commitment, and shared purpose.