Full Idea
The relation of 'asymmetry' is incompatible with the converse. …The relation 'husband' is asymmetrical, so that if a is the husband of b, b cannot be the husband of a.
Gist of Idea
'Asymmetry' is incompatible with its converse; a is husband of b, so b can't be husband of a
Source
Bertrand Russell (Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy [1919], V)
Book Reference
Russell,Bertrand: 'Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy' [George Allen and Unwin 1975], p.42
A Reaction
This is to be contrasted with 'non-symmetrical', where there just happens to be no symmetry.