“To complain that I could only be married once was like complaining that I had only been born once.”
Analysis of Quote by G.K. Chesterton
In this quote, G.K. Chesterton uses the analogy of being born only once to highlight the insignificance of complaining about being married only once. By comparing these two significant life events, Chesterton suggests that the limitations placed on marriage are as natural and unchangeable as being born only once. This analogy serves to emphasize the acceptance and appreciation of the unique and limited nature of marriage, rather than lamenting its restrictions. Ultimately, Chesterton's quote encourages a perspective of gratitude and contentment with one's circumstances.
Modern Relevance of G.K. Chesterton's Quote
In a modern society where the concept of marriage has evolved and multiple marriages are more socially accepted, G.K. Chesterton's quote can still hold relevance. The idea that each individual only has one life to live, just like they only have one marriage to experience, encourages gratitude and appreciation for the unique experiences and relationships that come with it. It emphasizes the importance of making the most out of each opportunity and cherishing the moments we have.
G.K. Chesterton on Marriage
“To complain that I could only be married once was like complaining that I had only been born once.” - G.K. Chesterton
Reflection Questions:
As we ponder on the quote by G.K. Chesterton, it challenges us to reflect on the concept of marriage and its significance in our lives. Here are some reflection questions to consider:
- What does marriage mean to you?
- How does the idea of being married only once resonate with you?
- In what ways does marriage contribute to personal growth and development?
- How do you view the lifelong commitment of marriage in today's society?
- What lessons can be learned from the quote in terms of valuing relationships and commitments?
Similar quotes
“Estates are sometimes held by foolish forms, the breaking of a stick or the payment of a peppercorn. I was willing to hold the whole huge estate of earth and heaven by any such feudal fantasy. It could not well be wilder than the fact that I was allowed to hold it at all. At this stage I give only one ethical instance to show my meaning. I could never mix in the common murmur of the rising generation against monogamy, because no restriction on sex seemed so odd and unexpected as sex itself. To be allowed, like Endymion, to make love to the moon and then to complain that Jupiter kept his own moons in a harem seemed to me (bred on fairy tales like Endymion's) a vulgar anticlimax.Keeping to one woman is a small price for so much as seeing one woman. To complain that I could only be married once was like complaining that I could only be born once. It was incommensurate with the terrible excitement of which one was talking. It showed, not an exaggerated sensibility to sex, but a curious insensibility to it. A man is a fool who complains that he cannot enter Eden by five gates at once. Polygamy is a lack of the realization of sex; it is like a man plucking five pears in mere absence of mind.”
“How long could we do this before you started bitching?" Simon said as we turned down another street of apartment buildings."What?""We've been walking for two days now, and you haven't complained once. It's damned annoying, you know."I looked at him."If you don't complain, then I can't complain. Not without sounding like a whiny little snot.”
“I don't like my shoes,' said Rose.'I'm wearing my shoes and you don't see me complain.''You only hear a person complain,' said Rose. 'Not see.'How has Rose lived for seventeen years and no one has killed her, not once?”
“Do not fear for me, for I was born only once and i shall die only once.”
“I could not really complain, because he had only given me his word of honor as security; I ought to have required of him something substantial.”