Ultimately, we wish the joy of perfect union with the person we
Hear the words of Mortimer Adler, philosopher and seeker of truth, who declared: “Ultimately, we wish the joy of perfect union with the person we love.” In this saying lies the deepest longing of the human heart—that beyond wealth, beyond honor, beyond fleeting pleasures, the soul yearns for union, for the binding together of two beings into a harmony so complete that loneliness is forgotten and life is made whole.
This joy of perfect union is not merely the closeness of bodies, nor the fleeting intoxication of desire, but the meeting of souls. It is the quiet knowledge that one is fully seen, fully known, and fully embraced without condition. It is the fulfillment of the ancient cry that “it is not good for man to be alone,” for in love’s true union, isolation is overcome and existence is shared.
Adler speaks from the tradition of philosophy itself, for since the days of Plato, the sages have taught that love is the pursuit of wholeness. The myth of the divided soul, searching endlessly for its other half, echoes here. All human striving, whether in art, in labor, or in worship, is but a shadow of this higher yearning: to find in another the completion of one’s own being.
Yet he reminds us that this desire is not trivial, but ultimate—it stands at the summit of human aspiration. The riches of the world, the triumphs of ambition, all pale beside the simple and profound gift of perfect love. For when two souls meet in truth, life is crowned with meaning, and joy flows like a river that no drought can dry.
Thus let this wisdom be handed down: the highest blessing a man or woman may know is not conquest, not possession, but union with the beloved. This is the joy that fulfills existence, the joy that ennobles life, the joy that endures beyond the passing of days. Mortimer Adler, echoing the chorus of ages, gives voice to the eternal truth: in love’s perfect union, we find the completion of our deepest longing.
NKLe Ngoc Khanh
This quote brings to mind the depth of true love—the desire to be completely in sync with the person you love. But can perfect union ever truly exist, or is it just a beautiful goal? I feel like we often try to make relationships perfect, but maybe the beauty of love lies in the imperfections and growth we experience together. Does this mean we should stop striving for perfection in our relationships?
LNBui Thi Lan Nhi
I agree with the idea of striving for a perfect union in love, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s achievable. Every relationship requires work, and there are always obstacles. Does aiming for a perfect union mean we are setting ourselves up for failure, or does it push us to constantly improve and deepen our connection with someone? I think it’s a fine line between aspiration and unrealistic expectation.
QTNguyen Quoc Thinh
The concept of a perfect union is lovely, but I feel like it may be a bit of a fantasy. Relationships, in my experience, are full of ups and downs. Could it be that perfect union isn’t about constant joy, but about weathering the tough times together and supporting each other through them? Maybe it's more about connection, effort, and mutual respect than it is about perfection.
Tthu
This quote feels very aspirational, but I wonder if it's too idealistic. Is it possible to truly experience perfect union in love, or does it set an unfair standard for relationships? Maybe the true joy lies in finding someone you can grow with, despite imperfections, and not necessarily in achieving some kind of utopian harmony. What do you think? Should we aim for perfection, or is it enough to build something meaningful?
BNBao Ngoc
The idea of perfect union in a relationship is so romantic, but also a bit daunting. How realistic is it to expect perfect harmony with someone else? It seems like relationships are always going to involve compromise and differences. Maybe true happiness in a relationship comes not from perfection, but from accepting each other’s flaws and growing together. Is it possible to love someone completely without expecting perfection?