Caprice Quote by Edward Gibbon
“Passion, interest, or caprice, suggested daily motives for the dissolution of marriage; a word, a sign, a message, a letter, the mandate of a freedman, declared the separation; the most tender of human connections was degraded to a transient society of profit or pleasure.”
About This Quote
Source Historical analysis: The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1776
Describes how trivial motives and materialism erode deep human bonds, reducing marriage to transactions.
In simple terms: Materialism weakens true connections.
Key Takeaway
Guard relationships against commodification.
Themes
marriage
materialism
societal decay
Mood
somber
critical
Type
historical
ethical
When to use this quote
- family planning
- relationship counseling
- legal reforms
Key Concepts
historical sociology
ethical critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What values sustain a marriage beyond profit?
- How can societies promote relational depth over transactional gain?
A Different Perspective
Economic pressures can dominate emotional decisions.
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