We pick out a text here and there to make it serve our turn; whereas , if we take it all together, and considered what went before and what followed after, we should find it meant no such thing.
John SeldenRead
Of all the actions of a man's life, his marriage does least concern other people, yet of all the actions of our lives, 'tis the most meddled with by other people.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Marriage is a personal commitment that affects individuals most, yet it is often scrutinized and judged by others.
This quote by John Selden highlights the paradox of marriage: while it is a deeply personal relationship primarily affecting the couple involved, it also seems to attract the most external attention and influence. The essence of commitment between partners is often overshadowed by societal opinions and expectations, suggesting that personal choices can become public subjects of discussion and intervention.
Themes
MarriageRelationshipsSocietyCommitmentJudgment
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about marriage dynamics during a relationship seminar.
More from John Selden
All quotes →They that govern the most make the least noise.
John SeldenRead
All things are God's already; we can give him no right, by consecrating any, that he had not before, only we set it apart to his service - just as a gardener brings his master a basket of apricots, and presents them; his lord thanks him, and perhaps gives him something for his pains, and yet the apricots were as much his lord's before as now.
John SeldenRead
Ignorance of the law excuses no man; not that all men know the law, but because 'tis an excuse every man will plead, and no man can tell how to refute him.
John SeldenRead
Pleasures are all alike simply considered in themselves: he that hunts, or he that governs the commonwealth, they both please themselves alike, only we commend that, whereby we ourselves receive some benefit.
John SeldenRead
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