"Marriage is good for those who are afraid to sleep alone at night"

St. Jerome’s statement, “Marriage is good for those who are afraid to sleep alone at night,” holds an understated depth, blending insight with a hint of irony. On the surface, it appears to reduce the institution of marriage to a remedy for loneliness, particularly the tangible solitude felt after nightfall. Yet, embedded within the simplicity of the words is a reflection on human nature, the motivations for coupling, and the complexities beneath our social constructs.

By linking marriage to the fear of sleeping alone, St. Jerome subtly questions whether individuals marry out of genuine love, commitment, or companionship, or if their choice is simply a desire to escape the discomfort of solitude. The reference to night amplifies the vulnerability that can overcome a person in the absence of another, a time when insecurities and existential fears may surface most strongly. Sleep, being an unconscious and defenseless state, emphasizes intimacy and trust; sharing that space is both comforting and symbolic of deeper bonds.

The remark also explores the practical and emotional dimensions that drive people towards partnership. It suggests marriage can function as a shelter against personal anxieties, a practical arrangement as much as a spiritual or passionate union. In historical context, where St. Jerome himself valued celibacy and asceticism, the quote carries a subtle critique, perhaps suggesting that the higher calling leads one beyond such earthly fears, while marriage offers solace for those less inclined to solitary endurance.

Ultimately, St. Jerome’s observation touches upon the universal human desire for connection, the fear of isolation, and how social institutions respond to these innate needs. It offers both a gentle mockery of marriage for convenience and a rueful acknowledgment of the ways people seek comfort against nighttime loneliness. In doing so, it invites reflection on personal motivations for intimate relationships and the search for meaning beyond simple companionship.