“Not cohabitation but consensus constitutes marriage.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“Not cohabitation but consensus constitutes marriage.”
Explanation
This quote asserts that the true foundation of marriage lies in mutual agreement and shared will, not merely in physical living arrangements. Cicero emphasizes that marriage is fundamentally a moral and social union, formed through consensus—deliberate and reciprocal commitment. By distinguishing cohabitation (living together) from consensus (a meeting of minds and hearts), he elevates marriage beyond custom or convenience, framing it as a partnership rooted in mutual understanding and voluntary bond.
In Roman law and philosophy, especially as Cicero understood it, marriage (conubium) was not just a private affair but a civic and moral institution. This quote reflects his broader view that legal and social bonds must be founded on intention and agreement, not just physical circumstances. Cicero, drawing on Stoic ideals, sees consent as the ethical core of all human relationships, particularly those as central as marriage.
In today’s context, this idea remains strikingly relevant. A lasting and meaningful marriage depends not on proximity or formal status alone, but on communication, mutual respect, and shared purpose. Cicero’s insight reminds us that the essence of any enduring union lies in willful partnership, reinforcing that relationships thrive not on external structures but on internal commitment and moral accord.
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