"What we need are not prohibitory marriage laws, but a reformed society, an educated public opinion which will teach individual duty in these matters"
- Alfred Russel Wallace
About this Quote
This quote by Alfred Russel Wallace is advocating for a shift in society away from limiting marital relationship laws and towards a more informed public opinion. He believes that rather of depending on laws to dictate what is best and incorrect in marriage, individuals ought to be taught their own personal tasks in these matters. This might consist of mentor individuals to respect the organization of marriage, to be honest and faithful in their relationships, and to be mindful of the effects of their actions. Wallace's quote is a call for a more enlightened society, one that is not bound by laws however instead directed by a moral compass. He believes that if individuals are taught to take responsibility for their own actions, then marriage laws will end up being less required.
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"