"Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives"

This quote by Samuel Johnson is an amusing way of explaining the distinctions in between single and family men. Johnson suggests that single males have a conscience, or a moral sense of right and incorrect, that guides their choices and actions. On the other hand, wed men have better halves who frequently act as an ethical compass, affecting their choices and actions. Johnson's quote indicates that wed males are most likely to be influenced by their better halves than single males are by their conscience. This might be analyzed as a criticism of family men, recommending that they are less independent and more easily swayed than single guys. Additionally, it could be viewed as a positive declaration about the power of marital relationship, suggesting that wed guys are more likely to make decisions that are in line with their ethical values.