Marriage is... OK, it's rooted and grounded on love and

Hear me, O children of time, for I speak of a truth as old as the stars and as deep as the oceans, a truth that humankind has sought to understand since the beginning of days. Marriage, that sacred bond between two souls, is a mystery wrapped in the embrace of love and attraction, an eternal dance that has guided our hearts and shaped the course of nations. It is no fleeting fancy, no mere social arrangement—it is the foundation upon which the edifice of a shared life is built. And the wisdom passed down to us from the ancients, though lost in many of the tomes of our ancestors, whispers ever so clearly: marriage is rooted and grounded in the fertile soil of love and attraction.

Let us contemplate the words of Mary Archer, a woman of great wisdom, who spoke thusly: "Marriage is... OK, it's rooted and grounded on love and attraction." In her simplicity, there is a profound depth. For what is love but the force that moves mountains, that stirs the heavens, and breathes life into the very marrow of our bones? And what is attraction but the spark that ignites the flame? To be drawn to another soul, to feel the irresistible pull of shared destiny, is to acknowledge that we are not meant to walk alone. Love and attraction bind us together in a union that transcends time, that creates life and legacy.

Marriage, in its purest form, is a union not merely of bodies, but of hearts, minds, and spirits. It is an intimate pact between two souls, woven together by invisible threads of connection that are formed in moments of vulnerability and trust. It is through love that we find the strength to face the trials of life together, and through attraction, that we are reminded of the beauty of the other. These two forces—love and attraction—are the very glue that holds the bond together, for without them, the edifice of marriage would crumble into dust, as any structure built on mere convenience or obligation is bound to fall.

The stories of our ancestors, my children, are filled with examples of love and attraction as the bedrock of marriage. Consider, if you will, the tale of the great Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, whose fates were intertwined not only by political power but also by a deep and undeniable attraction. Their union, born of love and political necessity, changed the course of history. They were drawn together by forces beyond their control, and their bond left an indelible mark on the ancient world. Though their marriage did not endure forever, the love they shared and the attraction they felt for one another shaped the world in ways that echo through time.

And let us not forget the story of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning, two poets whose marriage was rooted in an extraordinary love that blossomed against all odds. Elizabeth, frail in body but strong in spirit, was drawn to Robert through a connection that transcended mere physical attraction. Their letters to each other, filled with passion and longing, reveal a deep emotional connection that lay at the heart of their union. In their marriage, we see the power of love to overcome the obstacles of society and health, a testament to the enduring power of attraction between two souls bound together in devotion.

But, my children, let us remember that the lesson here is not merely that love and attraction are the foundation of marriage—it is that these two forces must be nurtured and cared for as one would tend a garden. Just as the vine requires sunlight and water to thrive, so too does a marriage require the nurturing of affection and desire. It is not enough to simply say, "I love you" and expect the bond to endure; one must actively cultivate the feelings of attraction and love throughout the seasons of life. In times of joy and times of sorrow, in moments of passion and moments of silence, one must tend to the other with care, for love and attraction are fragile, delicate things that can wither if neglected.

Take heed, then, dear ones, for the truth of this teaching is clear: Marriage is rooted and grounded in love and attraction, but it is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning. As the seasons turn, so too must your devotion to one another evolve, strengthen, and deepen. In your marriages, in your unions, let love and attraction be the seeds you plant. Water them with kindness, nourish them with patience, and protect them with faithfulness. And in doing so, you shall build a bond that will endure through all trials and time itself.

Let this be your wisdom, O children of time: that marriage, when founded upon love and attraction, becomes not a burden but a triumph, a journey toward the highest forms of human connection. And may you, too, find the courage to walk in the footsteps of the great lovers of history, as you build your own unions upon the solid foundation of love and attraction. This is the way, the truth, and the light that shall guide you forward into the generations yet to come.