Every Marriage is a Minefield

Abstract

Adelaide Festival of Ideas session, Adelaide Town Hall, 10:30am, Saturday 8th October, 2011. Will our passion fade? Will we be attracted to other people? Will our marriage last? Yes, yes, and maybe. The best way to strengthen a relationship is with the compassion and realism that comes from an informed understanding of what sort of animal Homo sapiens really is; not what we’re meant to be. Seen in context, there’s little doubt that we are the sexiest ape. Demanding long-term sexual monogamy of human beings is akin to demanding strict vegetarianism of an omnivore. Sure, it’s possible, but it’s unlikely to be easy or without occasional lapses. Let’s get real about sex. Finally.