The world has suffered more from the ravages of ill-advised marriages than from virginity.
Interpretation
Ill-advised marriages cause more harm than remaining single.
Ambrose Bierce's quote suggests that the negative consequences of ill-conceived marriages have a greater impact on society than the choice to remain unmarried. It highlights the idea that poorly thought-out unions can lead to suffering and turmoil, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration in matters of commitment and relationships.
In practice
During a discussion on relationships at a seminar, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of choosing partners wisely.
PALM, n. A species of tree . . . of which the familiar "itching palm" ("Palma hominis") is most widely distributed . . . . This noble vegetable exudes a kind of invisible gum, which may be detected by applying to the bark a piece of gold or silver.
Human nature is pretty well balanced; for every lacking virtue there is a rough substitute that will serve at a pinch--as cunning is the wisdom of the unwise, and ferocity the courage of the coward.
Indigestion: A disease which the patient and his friends frequently mistake for deep religious conviction and concern for the salvation of mankind. As the simple Red Man of the Western Wild put it, with, it must be confessed, a certain force: 'Plenty well, no pray; big belly ache, heap God.'
Disobey n:To celebrate with an appropriate ceremony the maturity of a command
NOUMENON, n. That which exists, as distinguished from that which merely seems to exist, the latter being a phenomenon. The noumenon is a bit difficult to locate; it can be apprehended only by a process of reasoning - which is a phenomenon.
PARDON, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
People tend to have one of three 'styles' of interaction. There are takers, who are always trying to serve themselves; matchers, who are always trying to get equal benefit for themselves and others; and givers, who are always trying to help people.
No society of nations, no people within a nation, no family can benefit through mutual aid unless good will exceeds ill will; unless the spirit of cooperation surpasses antagonism; unless we all see and act as though the other man's welfare determines our own welfare.
Let us forgive each other - only then will we live in peace.
The first thing you should do with an actor is not sign a contract with him. Take him to dinner. And take him for a walk afterwards.
Sometimes idiosyncrasies which used to be irritating become endearing, part of the complexity of a partner who has become woven deep into our own selves.
There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.