In marriage do thou be wise: prefer the person before money, virtue before beauty, the mind before the body; then thou hast a wife, a friend, a companion, a second self.

In this quote, William Penn, the English philosopher and founder of Pennsylvania, offers advice about marriage. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the inner qualities of a partner over external factors like money, beauty, or physical appearance. Penn advocates for choosing a spouse based on their virtue, intelligence, and character, suggesting that these are the true foundations of a lasting and fulfilling partnership.

Penn’s statement suggests that a successful marriage is built on deeper, more enduring connections rather than superficial aspects like wealth or appearance. By prioritizing the mind and virtue over external qualities, a relationship becomes more about mutual respect and understanding than material gain or physical attraction. These qualities are essential for a true partnership, where both individuals are valued for who they are rather than what they have or how they look.

The phrase "then thou hast a wife, a friend, a companion, a second self" reinforces the idea that marriage, when based on these deeper principles, offers much more than a legal or romantic union. It becomes a companionship where both individuals are equal partners, sharing their lives, thoughts, and experiences. This ideal relationship goes beyond mere affection or duty, forming a deep, almost symbiotic bond where each person sees the other as an extension of themselves.

Ultimately, Penn’s quote stresses that the true beauty of marriage lies in the connection of mind, virtue, and soul, rather than in external attributes. By choosing a partner who embodies these qualities, one builds a relationship that is strong, lasting, and fulfilling—one that goes far beyond the fleeting nature of wealth or physical attraction.