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Few people have an adequate idea of the sufferings of women and children, of the number of wives who tremble when they hear the footsteps of a returning husband, of the number of children who hide when they hear the voice of a father. Few people know the number of blows that fall on the flesh of the helpless every day, and few know the nights of terror passed by mothers who hold babes to their breasts. Compared with these, all the hardships of poverty borne by those who love each other are as nothing. Men and women truly married bear the sufferings and misfortunes of poverty together. They console each other. In the darkest night they see the radiance of a star, and their affection gives to the heart of each perpetual sunshine.

Robert G. Ingersoll#109

LoveFamilyMarriageSuffering

About this quote

What does it mean?
Domestic suffering is often hidden and severe, but love between partners can endure hardship together.
In plain terms
Home abuse is widespread, but true marriage shares burdens with affection.
What can you take from it?
Love helps couples survive shared hardships.

Where it applies

  • family life
  • marriage counseling
  • social awareness

Putting it to work

  • recognizing hidden abuse
  • valuing mutual support

Questions to consider

  • How much suffering remains unseen?
  • What makes marriage strong?

Another view

It may romanticize poverty rather than addressing its root causes.

More from Robert G. Ingersoll

  1. Facts need no pedigree; logic has no heraldry, and the living should not be awed by the mistakes of the dead.

    Permalink to quote #108
  2. For the most part, colleges are places where pebbles are polished and diamonds are dimmed.

    Permalink to quote #110
  3. Everything in nature tells a different story to all eyes that see and to all ears that hear. So, when we look upon a flower, a painting, a statue, a star, or a…

    Permalink to quote #107

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