Ogden Nash: 'To keep your marriage brimming, With love in the loving cup, Whenever you're wrong, admit it Whenever you're right, shut up.'

To keep your marriage brimming, With love in the loving cup, Whenever you're wrong, admit it Whenever you're right, shut up.

Ogden Nash's witty and straightforward quote on marriage, "To keep your marriage brimming, With love in the loving cup, Whenever you're wrong, admit it, Whenever you're right, shut up," holds a wealth of wisdom for maintaining a healthy and harmonious relationship. The essence of the quote lies in the principles of humility, honesty, and mindfulness in communication. Admitting one's faults and accepting responsibility when in the wrong is crucial for fostering understanding and trust in a marriage. Conversely, the notion of 'shutting up' when one is right carries the idea of letting go of ego and the need to always assert one's point of view, thus avoiding unnecessary conflicts and allowing space for harmony to flourish.However, diving deeper into the philosophical realm, this quote can also be viewed through the lens of Eastern philosophy, particularly the concept of Yin and Yang. In this ancient Chinese philosophy, Yin represents the passive, yielding, and feminine energy, whereas Yang symbolizes the active, assertive, and masculine energy. Drawing parallels, admitting one's wrongs aligns with embodying the Yin qualities of receptivity and humility, while practicing silence when right can be seen as embodying the Yang qualities of restraint and strength in stillness.The juxtaposition of Nash's pragmatic advice with the abstract concept of Yin and Yang adds a layer of complexity to the quote's interpretation. It invites us to contemplate the balance of energies within a marriage, the dance of give and take, and the interplay of light and shadow that shape relationships. Just as Yin and Yang complement each other to create a harmonious whole, so too do the acts of admitting fault and practicing restraint work in tandem to nurture a loving and enduring bond.In essence, Nash's seemingly lighthearted words carry a profound message about the dynamics of marriage and the art of communication. By embracing the duality of being both vulnerable and strong, humble and silent, couples can cultivate a deeper connection and keep the flame of love burning brightly in the loving cup of their relationship.