"The conception of two people living together for twenty-five years without having a cross word suggests a lack of spirit only to be admired in sheep"

In this quote, author Alan Patrick Herbert is revealing his belief that a relationship without any differences or arguments for twenty-five years is not something to be commemorated, but rather something to be pitied. He compares such a relationship to sheep, who are understood for their docile and submissive nature. By utilizing this contrast, Herbert is suggesting that a lack of dispute in a relationship signifies passivity and an absence of uniqueness. He recommends that a healthy and fulfilling relationship must involve healthy arguments and disputes, as it reveals that both people have their own special thoughts and viewpoints. In general, Herbert is highlighting the importance of preserving a sense of self and uniqueness within a long-lasting relationship.