Artifice Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Such is the common process of marriage. A youth and maiden exchange meeting by chance, or brought together by artifice, exchange glances, reciprocate civilities, go home, and dream of one another. Having little to divert attention, or diversify thought, they find themselves uneasy when they are apart, and therefore conclude that they shall be happy together. They marry, and discover what nothing but voluntary blindness had before concealed; they wear out life in altercations, and charge nature with cruelty.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1750
Marriage often begins with idealized romance, then reveals incompatibility and conflict as reality sets in.
In simple terms: Romance turns to reality, exposing flaws.
Key Takeaway
Recognize love’s challenges early.
Themes
marriage
illusion
conflict
expectation
reality
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- courtship
- long‑term partnership
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you notice early signs of mismatch?
- How can couples maintain realistic expectations?
A Different Perspective
Idealized expectations can blind partners to incompatibility.
