Age Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
“We invented marriage. Couples invented marriage. We also invented divorce,mind you. And we invented infidelity,too, as well as romantic misery. In fact we invented the whole sloppy mess of love and intimacy and aversion and euphoria and failure. But most importantly of all, most subversively of all, most stubbornly of all, we invented privacy.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Moth Storytelling Podcast, 2015
Human institutions like marriage, divorce, infidelity, love, and privacy are cultural constructs we created, shaping relationships and personal freedom.
In simple terms: We made up marriage, love, and privacy, which shape how we relate.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that many relationship norms are invented and can be rethought.
Themes
relationships
culture
privacy
love
intimacy
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- relationship therapy
- personal boundaries
- social policy
- cultural critique
Key Concepts
social constructs
agency
human behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How do these invented norms affect your personal choices?
- Can you imagine relationships without these conventions?
A Different Perspective
These constructs can also restrict freedom and perpetuate inequality.
![“And while [we] do have possibilities that are vast and magnificent and almost infinite in scope, it's important to remember that our choice-rich lives have the potential to breed their own brand of trouble. We are susceptible to emotional uncertainties and neuroses that are probably not very…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7fb/elizabeth-gilbert-131_choice_and-while-we-do-have-possibilities-that_30637.jpg)
