Beautifully-absurd Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
““A kind Providence has so skilfully adapted sex to sex and the mass of individuals to each other, that, with certain obvious exceptions, any male and female may be moderately happy in the married state.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1850
Marriage can bring moderate happiness when individuals are suitably matched, despite occasional mismatches.
In simple terms: Compatible partners can be fairly happy together.
Key Takeaway
Seek compatible relationships.
Themes
marriage
compatibility
human nature
sex
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- courtship
- family life
- long‑term partnership
- social expectations
Key Concepts
social contract
philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines “moderate happiness” in marriage?
- How do expectations shape marital satisfaction?
A Different Perspective
Not all marriages achieve happiness; societal pressures exist.
