Skip to content

Happiness Quote by Alain de Botton

“The pursuit of personal happiness and the production of healthy children are two radically contrasting projects, which love maliciously confuses us into thinking of as one for a requisite number of years. We should not be surprised by marriages between people who would never have been friends” quote by Alain de Botton
Download Open image
““The pursuit of personal happiness and the production of healthy children are two radically contrasting projects, which love maliciously confuses us into thinking of as one for a requisite number of years. We should not be surprised by marriages between people who would never have been friends””

Alain de Botton

About This Quote

Source Book: The Course of Love by Alain de Botton, 2016

Romantic expectations often clash with reality; love is a partnership, not a single project.

In simple terms: Love and parenting are different goals.

Key Takeaway

Separate love from parenting expectations.

Themes

relationships expectations family

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical relationship advice

When to use this quote

  • marriage counseling
  • parenting workshops
  • relationship coaching

Key Concepts

psychology sociology existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance personal happiness with family duties?
  • What expectations hinder healthy relationships?
A Different Perspective

Love alone can't sustain a marriage.

4.4 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Alain de Botton

Explore all 850 Alain de Botton quotes

More Happiness quotes

Browse all 40,288 Happiness quotes