“He that has not got a wife is not yet a complete man.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“He that has not got a wife is not yet a complete man.”
Explanation
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin reflects a traditional view of marriage as essential to personal fulfillment and maturity, particularly for men. By stating that a man is “not yet complete” without a wife, Franklin implies that companionship, responsibility, and the civilizing influence of marriage are crucial components of a well-rounded life. This sentiment aligns with the cultural norms of the 18th century, which regarded marriage as both a moral duty and a stabilizing social institution.
Franklin, though not without a sense of humor or skepticism about human behavior, often emphasized the practical and moral benefits of domestic life. He believed that a wife could provide not just emotional companionship but also help a man cultivate virtue, discipline, and purpose. The idea of “completeness” here is less about dependency and more about the growth and balance that a committed relationship can inspire.
In today’s context, the quote invites both reflection and critique. While many still find deep personal growth in marriage, modern values emphasize that individual fulfillment can come through many paths, with or without a partner. Franklin’s statement remains a window into a time when marriage was considered the cornerstone of adult life, while also prompting contemporary readers to consider what truly constitutes a “complete” person in a more diverse and autonomous world.
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