The dread of lonliness is greater than the fear of bondage, so we get married

The dread of lonliness is greater than the fear of bondage, so we get married

Cyril Connolly, a renowned English literary critic and writer, once famously said, "The dread of loneliness is greater than the fear of bondage, so we get married." This quote encapsulates the complex and often conflicting emotions that individuals experience when it comes to the institution of marriage. Connolly's words suggest that the fear of being alone and isolated is so overwhelming that people are willing to enter into a committed relationship, even if it means sacrificing some of their personal freedom.

Loneliness is a universal human experience that can be incredibly daunting and distressing. The feeling of being disconnected from others, of not having someone to share your life with, can lead to a deep sense of emptiness and longing. In our modern society, where individualism and independence are highly valued, the idea of being alone can be particularly frightening. This fear of loneliness can drive people to seek out companionship and intimacy in the form of marriage, as a way to alleviate their feelings of isolation and find a sense of belonging.

On the other hand, the fear of bondage – of being tied down to another person, of losing one's autonomy and independence – can also be a powerful force in people's lives. The idea of committing to a lifelong partnership with another individual can be daunting, as it requires a significant amount of compromise, sacrifice, and vulnerability. The fear of losing one's freedom, of being constrained by the expectations and demands of a partner, can be a major deterrent for many people when it comes to marriage.

Despite these conflicting fears and desires, many individuals ultimately choose to get married because they believe that the benefits of companionship and connection outweigh the potential drawbacks of bondage. Marriage offers a sense of security, stability, and emotional support that can help alleviate the dread of loneliness. It provides a framework for building a life together, for sharing experiences and creating memories with another person. In this way, marriage can be seen as a way to combat the existential dread of being alone in the world.