When people get married because they think it's a long-time love affair, they'll be divorced very soon, because all love affairs end in disappointment. But marriage is a recognition of a spiritual identity.

In this quote, Joseph Campbell, the famous mythologist and writer, offers a profound perspective on the nature of marriage. He challenges the conventional idea that marriage is simply the continuation of a long-time love affair, which many people expect to be filled with constant passion and romance. According to Campbell, these expectations often lead to disappointment, as love affairs—like all emotional experiences—tend to fade or change over time. Instead, he presents marriage as something deeper and more enduring, rooted in the recognition of a spiritual identity between partners.

Campbell’s view contrasts with the romanticized notion of marriage as a never-ending fairy tale. He suggests that the key to a lasting relationship is not the perpetual thrill of a romantic love affair, but the spiritual connection that partners share. This spiritual identity involves an understanding of each other's true selves—beyond the surface-level attractions or emotional highs. For Campbell, a successful marriage is one that transcends fleeting emotions and is grounded in a deeper, more profound bond between two people.

The quote also reflects Campbell’s broader philosophy, which often centered on the idea of myth and the human experience as journeys of personal growth and discovery. In his work, he emphasized the importance of understanding the deeper, symbolic aspects of life and relationships. For Campbell, marriage is not just a social contract or romantic ideal, but a sacred and transformative union that reflects an understanding of oneself and one’s partner at a profound level.

By framing marriage in spiritual terms, Campbell encourages individuals to seek more than just physical attraction or emotional satisfaction. He presents it as a process of mutual discovery and connection that goes beyond the temporary nature of love affairs. In this sense, marriage is a lifelong commitment to growth, both as individuals and as a couple.