People
There is more of good nature than of good sense at the bottom of most marriages.
— Henry David Thoreau · Essay on "Love" in letter, September 1852, to Harrison Blake
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
The quotation gives kindness more credit than clear judgment in explaining marriage. It suggests that being good-natured matters more than making a sensible calculation. The contrast offers a gently skeptical view of how people form such a close bond.
Context reviewed