MARRIAGE & SOCRATES

When Socrates reached his 50s, he went into marriage and took a wife, Xanthippe. She was known to be very hot tempered and nag. He was no ideal husband. He would leave home every morning without fail and return home sometimes quite late. At the end of every month, there was not any pay check.

Story had it that once he was discussing ideas and thoughts in his house with his friends. They were discussing non stop the whole day until his wife, Xanthippe was so fed up and scolded them. She even chases them out of the house. Once outside the house, they continue discussing until the middle of the night. Xanthippe finally could not take it. She took a pail of water and poured it unto them.

The philosopher, soaking wet said “You know my friend, after the thunder, there will always come the rain.”

Many people rush into relationships and into marriage for many reasons. One of the reasons is loneliness. Loneliness can occur even if you have a partner. There are many people who have many friends but are still lonely inside. Do not go into marriage unless you are very sure.

Even if you are married, the philosopher has one word for you.

By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.

Socrates