This lecture explores why marriage is important and necessary for the well-being of the participants and of society. It discusses marriage as a countercultural institution, the selflessness of marriage, how recent federal court rulings regarding the right to privacy threaten to further undermine marriage, and how marriage promotes the common good by building families and raising children. The societal benefits of marriage are discussed, including the benefits for children, women, and men. It is concluded that to build a healthier society, the government must promote marriage as a fundamental societal benefit.