Marriage is therefore not an ordinary contract, since in…
““Marriage is therefore not an ordinary contract, since in terminating it, the two parties cannot return themselves to the same state they were in before entering into it. And if the contract is voluntary at the time it is entered into, it can no longer be voluntary, and almost never is, at the time of its termination, since the party which manifests the desire to dissolve it takes all liberty from the other party to refuse, and has only too many means to force its consent.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Marriage creates a binding bond that cannot be simply undone; ending it imposes constraints on both parties, limiting true voluntary choice at dissolution.
In simple terms: Marriage ties people together, making separation hard.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the seriousness before committing.
Themes
commitment
law
relationships
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- divorce negotiations
- marital counseling
- legal contracts
Key Concepts
social contract
individual autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure mutual consent in long‑term commitments?
- Can a contract ever be truly voluntary at its end?
A Different Perspective
Consent may be compromised under pressure.