“One should always be in love. That is the reason one should never marry.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels, plays, and poems such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Salome,” he had a great influence on British literature in the late 19th century through his witty social criticism and humor.
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Quote
“One should always be in love. That is the reason one should never marry.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously critiques the institution of marriage by suggesting that love, in its purest and most passionate form, should be a constant and uncomplicated state, something to be cherished and experienced freely. Wilde argues that marriage, with its practicalities, commitments, and routine, tends to diminish the romantic ideal of love. By stating that one should always be in love, Wilde implies that the intensity and freedom of love can only be preserved by avoiding the institution of marriage, which can often turn love into something more mundane or expected.
This quote reflects Wilde’s belief in the aesthetic and idealized nature of love, seeing it as a force that should remain uncontaminated by the demands and restrictions that often come with marriage. In his view, marriage has the potential to trap love in a practical framework, stripping away the magic and romance that make it special. Wilde’s words are a playful yet insightful commentary on the realities of relationships, where passion and infatuation may not always survive the long-term commitments of marriage.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the ongoing debates about love and commitment, and the tension between romantic ideals and practical relationships. Wilde’s words encourage us to think about the nature of love, romance, and marriage, and whether the pure ideal of love can truly be sustained in the context of long-term partnership. His view on love reflects a belief in its freedom and transience, celebrating the idea that love should be a living, evolving experience, not confined by societal expectations.
