Conjugal love, or the friendship of spouses, can persist even after sexual desires have weakened, withered, and disappeared.

In this quote, Mortimer Adler explores the enduring nature of conjugal love and the friendship between spouses. He suggests that true love between a couple is not solely dependent on sexual desire, which can fluctuate or diminish over time. Instead, the deeper bond of friendship and mutual respect between spouses can persist, even when the intensity of physical attraction wanes. Adler emphasizes that the emotional and intellectual connection between partners can remain strong, providing a foundation for a lasting relationship.

Adler’s words highlight the idea that the quality of a relationship between spouses is rooted in more than just physical intimacy. Over time, as sexual desires naturally change, couples who have built a relationship based on friendship and companionship can continue to thrive. This perspective suggests that the emotional bond between partners is often more significant than transient physical aspects of a relationship, promoting a deeper, more enduring connection.

The origin of this quote comes from Mortimer Adler, a philosopher and educator known for his writings on philosophy, education, and the nature of human relationships. Adler believed in the intellectual and moral dimensions of human connection, which is reflected in his view of marriage as not merely a physical union but a partnership based on deeper principles like respect, loyalty, and shared values. His work often explored how lasting relationships are sustained through emotional and intellectual bonds.

Adler’s quote challenges the modern tendency to equate romantic love with physical attraction alone. By emphasizing that friendship and emotional intimacy are essential to the durability of a marriage, he offers a more holistic view of love that transcends physicality. His view invites couples to focus on nurturing the deeper aspects of their relationships, which can lead to lasting companionship beyond the changing dynamics of sexual desire.