Before marriage, many couples are very much like people rushing to catch an airplane; once aboard, they turn into passengers. They just sit there.

J. Paul Getty's quote, "Before marriage, many couples are very much like people rushing to catch an airplane; once aboard, they turn into passengers. They just sit there", highlights the shift in dynamics that often occurs once a couple gets married. The first part of the quote compares pre-marriage couples to people rushing to catch an airplane, which implies that there is excitement, anticipation, and a sense of urgency. This may represent the early stages of a relationship, where both individuals are eager to get to know each other and embark on a shared journey.

However, Getty contrasts this initial rush with the passenger metaphor after marriage. He suggests that once the commitment of marriage is made, some couples become passive, merely sitting back and letting life happen around them. This "sitting there" attitude represents the idea of settling into routine, where the effort and energy that once characterized the relationship may diminish. It suggests that marriage, rather than being an active partnership, can become something where individuals become complacent and stop putting in the work that keeps the relationship vibrant.

Getty’s view is a critique of relationships where the excitement and effort fade once the major milestone of marriage is reached. Instead of continuing to actively engage with each other and nurture the relationship, couples may fall into a routine, and the connection can become less dynamic and more passive. The quote encourages couples to avoid this complacency and instead keep the energy alive throughout their marriage.

The origin of the quote lies in Getty's reflections on marriage and relationships. As a wealthy businessman and philanthropist, Getty observed the complexities of relationships, particularly in the context of his own life and multiple marriages. This perspective on marriage as something that requires continual effort aligns with Getty's broader outlook on success and maintenance, whether in business or personal life.