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Divorce Quote by Edith Wharton

“During the interval between her divorce and her remarriage she had learned what things cost, but not how to do without them; and money still seemed to her like some mysterious and uncertain stream which occasionally vanished underground but was sure to bubble up again at one's feet.” quote by Edith Wharton
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““During the interval between her divorce and her remarriage she had learned what things cost, but not how to do without them; and money still seemed to her like some mysterious and uncertain stream which occasionally vanished underground but was sure to bubble up again at one's feet.””

Edith Wharton

About This Quote

Source Novel: “The House of Mirth”, 1905

After divorce, she learned the value of money but not how to live without it, seeing wealth as an unpredictable force that resurfaces unexpectedly.

In simple terms: She understood money’s worth but not its absence; it feels like a fickle stream.

Key Takeaway

Prepare for financial uncertainty and self‑reliance.

Themes

wealth uncertainty independence

Mood

reflective serious

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • financial planning
  • relationship transitions
  • career changes
  • budgeting strategies

Key Concepts

economic resilience personal growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance financial security with emotional well‑being?
  • What strategies help when resources disappear?
A Different Perspective

Money’s role can be both empowering and limiting.

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