Meaning

This remark plays on the old philosophical idea that suffering can lead to wisdom. The joke hinges on the two possible outcomes of marriage: if things go well, a man finds personal happiness, which is its own reward. If things go badly, the unhappiness forces him to think deeply about life, human nature, and endurance, turning him into a philosopher by necessity. Either way, the speaker suggests, a man comes out ahead in some sense.

Context

The wit here reflects the ancient Greek tradition of using irony and humor to make serious points. Socrates was famous for examining everyday life with a sharp, questioning eye, and marriage was a common subject of ancient comedy and philosophy alike. Whether or not these exact words come directly from Socrates, the sentiment fits the tradition of Socratic irony, where wisdom is wrapped inside a joke. The idea that hardship produces reflection was widely held in ancient philosophical circles and continues to feel true to many readers today.

About the author

Socrates was an ancient Athenian philosopher who lived in the fifth century BCE and is considered one of the founding figures of Western philosophy. He left no written works of his own; what we know of his ideas comes primarily through the writings of his students, most notably Plato. He was known for his method of questioning, his ironic humor, and his belief that an unexamined life is not worth living.