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About this quote

What does it mean?
Marriage creates the conditions for divorce to happen, highlighting a paradox in human relationships.
In plain terms
You can't get divorced without first getting married.
What can you take from it?
Institutions often contain the seeds of their own end.

Where it applies

  • relationship counseling
  • sociological discussion
  • comedy

Putting it to work

  • analyzing social institutions
  • discussing commitment
  • writing satire

Questions to consider

  • What creates the conditions for an institution's failure?
  • Is irony useful for social critique?

Another view

It oversimplifies the complex reasons behind divorce.

More from Groucho Marx

  1. Marriage is a wonderful institution ... but who wants to live in an institution?

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  2. Military justice is to justice what military music is to music.

    Permalink to quote #88
  3. It looks as if Hollywood brides keep the bouquets and throw away the grooms.

    Permalink to quote #85

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