How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Bekker #s); all Bekker line numbers are approximate, since they are keyed to the original Greek.
Quote #10
...but human beings live together not only for the sake of begetting children but also for the sake of the things that contribute to life, for the tasks involved are divided immediately, those of the husband being different from those of the wife. They assist each other, then, by putting their own things in the service of what is common. For these reasons, both what is useful and what is pleasant seem to be found in this friendship... (8.12.1162a21-24)
Okay, we know this is not the most romantic definition of marriage, but we think that Aristotle has really hit on something in his description of marital friendship. The family home here has become a kind of self-sufficient commune, and husband and wife equal not in their capacities, but in their ability to contribute to the household. Aristotle understands that helping each other could be just about the sexiest thing that spouses can do for each other. Or perhaps that's just our reading...