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About this quote

What does it mean?
Marriage is a daring battle; love is the most reckless venture, and only the clever win freedom.
In plain terms
Marriage is a risky struggle where love is daring, and success favors the shrewd.
What can you take from it?
Success in marriage requires skill and mutual respect.

Where it applies

  • relationship counseling
  • marital vows

Putting it to work

  • communicating openly
  • cultivating partnership

Questions to consider

  • How can couples avoid conflict?
  • What defines a 'clever' partner?

Another view

Not all marriages are battles; many are collaborative.

More from Honore de Balzac

  1. Je voudrais, un jour, avoir un nom si connu, si populaire, si celebre, si glorieux enfin, qu'il m'authorisat, a p[eter] dans le monde, et que le monde trouvat …

    Permalink to quote #18
  2. Il y a des femmes dont la grossesse fait sourire quelque celibataire sournois.

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. Tuer un parent de qui l'on se plaint, c'est quelque chose; mais heriter de lui, c'est la un plaisir!

    Permalink to quote #17

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