“Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?”
— Groucho Marx
Simplified Meaning:
Marriage is often seen as a beautiful and valuable part of life, much like a respected organization or tradition. However, when people think of the word "institution," they might picture something rigid, like a school or a strict rulebook, which can feel restricting. This quote humorously suggests that while marriage has great benefits, some people might feel that the rules and expectations can be too confining. Imagine someone who loves traveling and being spontaneous. For them, marriage might seem like it limits their freedom because it often involves making joint decisions and considering another person's wishes and routines. This doesn't mean that marriage is bad, but it highlights the balance needed to keep individuality and freedom while being in a committed relationship. To apply this idea, someone could work on maintaining their personal interests and independence even after getting married. By doing so, they can enjoy both the companionship of marriage and the freedom of being themselves. A good marriage might require finding ways to respect and support each other's individuality and dreams.