“Marriage is a fine institution, but I'm not ready for an institution.”

Simplified Meaning:

The quote is saying that marriage is generally a good thing, but the speaker doesn't feel ready to take that step yet. Imagine marriage as a big commitment, like joining a special group or club with rules to follow and responsibilities. This person thinks marriage is positive and has benefits, but they don't feel prepared for the level of commitment and responsibility it requires. They might feel like they need more time to focus on their own growth or enjoy their current freedom. Let's use an example: if your friend loves the idea of owning a pet, they like animals and think pets are great. But owning a pet means feeding it, walking it every day, and taking it to the vet. Your friend might say they love pets, but they're not ready to handle all the work that comes with owning one. They might want to travel or spend their time differently right now. Similarly, this person appreciates what marriage stands for but isn't ready to take on all it involves. They might want to focus on their career, enjoy being single, or just aren't ready for such a big change in their life.