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Times are changed with him who marries; there are no more…

“Times are changed with him who marries; there are no more by-path meadows, where you may innocently linger, but the road lies long and straight and dusty to the grave. Idleness, which is often becoming and even wise in the bachelor, begins to wear a different aspect when you have a wife to support.” quote by Robert Louis Stevenson
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“Times are changed with him who marries; there are no more by-path meadows, where you may innocently linger, but the road lies long and straight and dusty to the grave. Idleness, which is often becoming and even wise in the bachelor, begins to wear a different aspect when you have a wife to support.”

Robert Louis Stevenson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Marriage transforms leisure into responsibility, turning idle freedom into a purposeful, often burdensome path toward life's end.

In simple terms: Marriage changes idle freedom into duty.

Key Takeaway

Accept responsibility with purpose.

Themes

marriage responsibility life death growth

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • family life
  • career planning
  • financial obligations
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

social contract personal sacrifice mortality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does partnership alter your sense of duty?
  • Can responsibility coexist with personal fulfillment?
A Different Perspective

The quote idealizes marriage as burdensome, ignoring mutual support and joy.

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