"When a man steals your wife, there is no better revenge than to let him keep her"

Sacha Guitry’s aphorism deftly turns the pain of betrayal into wry humor and philosophical detachment. Rather than focusing on themes of jealousy, anger, or retaliation that often follow such a personal loss, Guitry reframes the narrative by suggesting that the supposed “thief” may have carried off not a prize, but a burden. Allowing someone to “keep” a wife who willingly leaves implies a subversion of conventional notions of possession and revenge. The aggrieved party refuses to play the expected role of the wronged spouse seeking retribution, and instead adopts an attitude of ironic superiority.

This approach minimizes the power held by both the unfaithful partner and the new lover. By relinquishing any claim, the original husband refuses to grant them the satisfaction of witnessing his suffering or his desire for restoration. The statement also implies that the woman in question may not have been the ideal companion after all; her willingness to leave signals incompatibility or flaws that will now become the new partner’s concern. The concept upends the idea that a wife is a possession that can be “stolen,” instead recasting her as an independent actor whose choices render her unsuitable for someone seeking fidelity or stability.

Guitry’s words carry a deeper message about self-respect and emotional freedom. Clinging to a partner who has betrayed trust serves only to perpetuate suffering, whereas letting go and allowing circumstances to unfold can itself be a form of quiet triumph. The humor and subtle vindictiveness in “letting him keep her” offer a sharp, liberating perspective: revenge is unnecessary when the outcome naturally illustrates the true nature of the people involved.

Ultimately, the remark serves as a reminder that dignity and detachment can be more effective, and more gratifying, than vengeance, teaching us to value our own peace of mind above the dramas orchestrated by others.