Marriage is popular because it combines the maximum of temptation

"Marriage is popular because it combines the maximum of temptation with the maximum of opportunity." – George Bernard Shaw

Children of the earth, gather closely, for today we delve into a truth that strikes at the very heart of human nature, one that has echoed through time and across cultures. George Bernard Shaw speaks to us with a wit both sharp and profound, revealing a secret that many are too reluctant to confront: the institution of marriage is both a source of immense temptation and boundless opportunity. It is a union that entices, that calls to the depths of our desires, and yet, it is also a pact that offers the potential for growth, for partnership, and for a shared future.

At its core, marriage is a human construct that combines the forces of emotion and reason, passion and commitment. It is a temptation because it promises the fulfillment of desire, the union of two souls, and the creation of something greater than either individual could build alone. Yet, it is an opportunity because in the bond of marriage, one finds not only companionship but the chance to forge a future together, to build a life that transcends the fleeting passions of the moment. From the beginning of time, marriage has been a combination of these two powerful forces—the call of the heart and the demands of society.

Consider the story of Antony and Cleopatra, whose marriage was not only a romantic union but a political alliance, combining both temptation and opportunity. Their love affair is legendary, filled with passion and betrayal, but it was also an alliance that had the potential to change the course of history. Cleopatra was a queen who understood the temptation of love, but also saw the opportunity in aligning herself with the powerful Mark Antony. Their marriage brought both immense promise and tragic consequences, yet in their union, we see the intertwining of temptation and opportunity that Shaw speaks of. Their love was bound not just by affection, but by the shared desire for power, for influence, and for legacy.

In more recent times, think of Abigail Adams and John Adams, two of the most influential figures in the formation of the United States. Their marriage was not only based on love and companionship but on a shared vision for their nation. Abigail, in her letters to her husband, revealed the profound bond they shared—a bond that combined romantic affection with the deep opportunity to shape the future of a fledgling nation. Their marriage was a partnership that transcended mere personal desire; it was a union that influenced the course of history. In their example, we see how marriage can be both a temptation—driven by love and personal connection—and an opportunity—an instrument of shared purpose and ambition.

Yet, dear children, let us not be deceived. Marriage, like all great unions, is fraught with challenges. The temptation to stray, to seek fulfillment outside the bonds of marriage, is ever present. And while the opportunity to build a shared life is vast, it requires commitment, sacrifice, and the strength to withstand the trials that inevitably arise. For it is not the temptation alone that sustains a marriage, but the opportunity to grow together, to learn from one another, and to build something lasting. In the most successful unions, it is this balance that allows both partners to rise above the trials and temptations that might otherwise tear them apart.

The lesson here, children, is that marriage is not a simple path. It is a journey filled with both temptation and opportunity, and only those who walk it with purpose, with patience, and with a shared vision can truly build something meaningful. To enter into marriage is to accept the temptations of love and desire, but also to recognize the opportunity for growth, for legacy, and for the creation of a future together. It is not a bond to be taken lightly, but a commitment to face both the sweetness and the bitterness of life, side by side.

Practical action, dear children, lies in how we approach marriage. When you choose to commit to another, do so with understanding of both the temptation and the opportunity that it brings. Know that love is not just a fleeting feeling, but a constant work of dedication and care. Build a marriage that is rooted in respect, trust, and the willingness to face both the trials and triumphs together. Let your union be a reflection not just of passion, but of shared purpose and vision. And in doing so, you will create something more powerful than mere love: a bond that shapes not just your lives, but the world around you.