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Such is the common process of marriage. A youth and maiden meeting by chance, or brought together by artifice, exchange glances, reciprocate civilities, go home, and dream of one another. Having little to divert attention, or diversify thought, they find themselves uneasy when they are apart, and therefore conclude that they shall be happy together. They marry, and discover what nothing but voluntary blindness had before concealed; they wear out life in altercations, and charge nature with cruelty.

Samuel Johnson#85

RelationshipsRealityMarriageChoicesConsequencesIllusion

About this quote

What does it mean?
People often marry based on fleeting impressions and later discover incompatibility.
In plain terms
People marry based on fleeting impressions and later face unhappiness.
What can you take from it?
Don't rush marriage based on initial feelings.

Where it applies

  • dating
  • marriage
  • decision making

Putting it to work

  • know someone well
  • take time before committing

Questions to consider

  • How do you evaluate a partner?
  • What do you expect from marriage?

Another view

Not all marriages end in conflict; many succeed through effort.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. Example is always more efficacious than precept.

    Permalink to quote #84
  2. Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.

    Permalink to quote #86
  3. Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has no pleasures.

    Permalink to quote #83

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