Appetite Quote by Edith Wharton
“Their long years together had shown him that it did not so much matter if marriage was a dull duty, as long as it kept the dignity of duty: lapsing from that, it became a mere battle of ugly appetites.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The House of Mirth, Edith Wharton, 1905
Marriage is sustained as a social duty that preserves dignity; when that duty is abandoned, relationships devolve into selfish conflict.
In simple terms: Duty maintains dignity; without it, relationships become selfish.
Key Takeaway
Uphold personal responsibility to preserve relational harmony.
Themes
marriage
duty
dignity
conflict
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
relational
When to use this quote
- family life
- work partnerships
- community service
Key Concepts
social contract
ethical responsibility
relationship dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What duties in your life give you purpose?
- How does neglecting responsibility affect others?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting duty can erode moral foundations and cause strife.
