You marry to be worthy of a gift, and want to say so out loud, but without shouting. One doesn't shout a prayer. Marriage is one of the few ceremonies left to us about which it is impossible - or at least self-demeaning - to be cynical.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Marriage is presented as a ceremony of worthiness that should be expressed quietly. The author suggests cynicism about marriage is self-demeaning.
- In plain terms
- Marriage is a quiet statement of worthiness that should not be met with cynicism.
- What can you take from it?
- Approach marriage with sincerity and avoid cynicism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is marriage one of the last dignified ceremonies?
- Why should we avoid being cynical about marriage?
Another view
Not everyone finds marriage dignified or important.
More from John Leonard
Prisons are a growth industry in a country that has stopped building schools because we would rather not pay our property taxes. And we seem remarkably comfort…
Permalink to quote #19 Granted, religion is wishful thinking, but there is no other kind of thinking.
Permalink to quote #21 My whole life I have been waving the names of writers, as if we needed rescue. From these writers, for almost 50 years, I have received narrative, witness, com…
Permalink to quote #18
Related quotes
My Unstoppable Determination for His Holiness. 'Whether it means life or death-it makes no difference!' (see Philippians 1:21 ). Paul was determined that nothi…
Oswald ChambersOswald Chambers quote #1 Marriage? That's for life! It's like cement!
Woody AllenWoody Allen quote #1 Have you seen a room from which faith has gone?...Like a marriage from which love has gone...And patience, patience everywhere like a fog.
Graham GreeneGraham Greene quote #2