A husband and wife ought to continue so long united as they love each other. Any law which should bind them to cohabitation for one moment after the decay of their affection, would be a most intolerable tyranny, and the most unworthy of toleration.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Marriage should last only as long as love exists between partners. Laws forcing cohabitation after affection fades are tyrannical and unjust.
- In plain terms
- A couple should stay together only while they love each other; forcing them to stay is tyranny.
- What can you take from it?
- Love, not law, should determine the duration of a marriage.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Should the law enforce relationships after love ends?
- What defines a valid marriage?
Another view
This view ignores practical or financial complexities that might affect marital decisions.
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