Meaning: The quote "Polygamy: An endeavour to get more out of life than there is in it" by Elbert Hubbard, a writer, philosopher, and entrepreneur, succinctly captures the complex and controversial practice of polygamy. Polygamy, the act of having multiple spouses, has been a subject of debate, scrutiny, and fascination throughout history and across various cultures. Hubbard's quote sheds light on the motivations behind polygamy, suggesting that it may stem from a desire to seek more fulfillment or satisfaction than life inherently offers.

Polygamy has been practiced in different forms and under various cultural, religious, and social contexts. It is important to note that there are two main types of polygamy: polygyny and polyandry. Polygyny involves a man having multiple wives, while polyandry refers to a woman having multiple husbands. Hubbard's quote, however, specifically refers to polygamy without specifying the gender of the individuals involved, indicating a broader commentary on the concept of seeking more from life through multiple partners.

The quote implies that polygamy may be driven by a pursuit of greater fulfillment, intimacy, or variety than what monogamous relationships offer. It raises the question of whether the desire for multiple partners is an attempt to transcend the limitations of individual relationships and experience a more abundant or diverse life.

From a psychological perspective, the pursuit of polygamy may be rooted in the human inclination towards novelty, variety, and the pursuit of happiness. Some individuals may believe that having multiple partners can provide them with a more enriched and fulfilling life, offering different sources of companionship, emotional support, and intimacy. However, Hubbard's quote suggests a certain skepticism about this pursuit, hinting that it may be an unrealistic or misguided attempt to extract more from life than what it naturally provides.

Religiously, polygamy has been practiced in various cultures and is often associated with specific traditions or beliefs. In some societies, polygamy is permitted or even encouraged based on religious texts or cultural norms. For example, certain interpretations of Islamic scripture allow men to have multiple wives under specific conditions. Similarly, historical accounts reveal instances of polygamy in the context of early Christian communities and within the teachings of certain sects.

On the other hand, many modern societies have outlawed polygamy, viewing it as a practice that undermines the principles of monogamous marriage and equality. The legal and ethical dimensions of polygamy have sparked contentious debates, particularly regarding issues of consent, gender equality, and the well-being of individuals within polygamous relationships, including children and spouses.

Hubbard's quote can also be interpreted as a critique of the potentially unrealistic expectations and challenges associated with polygamy. Maintaining multiple relationships requires significant emotional, financial, and logistical investments, and it can lead to complexities, conflicts, and inequalities within the family structure. The quote suggests that the pursuit of multiple partners may not necessarily lead to a more fulfilling or enriched life, but rather to a situation where individuals may be stretched thin in their efforts to manage multiple relationships.

In conclusion, Elbert Hubbard's quote "Polygamy: An endeavour to get more out of life than there is in it" offers a thought-provoking perspective on the motivations and implications of polygamy. It invites contemplation about the human desire for fulfillment, the cultural and religious contexts of relationships, and the practical realities of managing multiple partnerships. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the practice of polygamy, Hubbard's quote serves as a catalyst for critical reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of a meaningful life.