"A man who has never made a woman angry is a failure in life"

Christopher Morley’s statement suggests a provocative perspective on human relationships, particularly between men and women. By asserting that a man who has never made a woman angry is a failure in life, he implies that genuine human connection is not about a perpetual state of agreement or peace. Instead, it is about engaging deeply enough with another person’s feelings, desires, and convictions that friction, sometimes manifesting as anger, is not only possible but inevitable.

Anger, in this context, is not simply a negative emotion to be avoided; it is the byproduct of caring, disagreement, and honesty. If a man has never made a woman angry, it may mean he is constantly avoiding conflict, suppressing his own opinions, or never engaging on issues that truly matter. Such a person might be prioritizing comfort, politeness, or self-protection over real interaction. Morley’s choice of the word “failure” hints at the notion that a life without passionate, candid relationships is lacking something essential.

Furthermore, making someone angry can be an indicator of mutual trust and investment. People are often only willing to show their anger, an emotionally vulnerable state, to those with whom they feel safe and close. If no woman has ever been angry with a man, perhaps he has not allowed for intimacy or authentic expression. He may have skirted around honesty or neglected to assert himself, sacrificing depth and meaning for tranquility.

Ultimately, Morley’s observation is a celebration of genuine connection over superficial harmony. It recognizes that meaningful relationships are messy and sometimes fraught with disagreement or intensity. Anger, when it comes from a place of sincerity, can be a sign of engagement, growth, and emotional risk-taking, all necessary for fulfilling, significant human experiences. Avoiding any situation where anger might arise could be seen as missing out on the true substance of life and love.