Divorce is probably of nearly the same date as marriage. I believe, however, that marriage is some weeks the more ancient.

In this witty quote, Voltaire, the French Enlightenment philosopher, humorously reflects on the long-standing relationship between marriage and divorce. He suggests that divorce has existed almost as long as marriage itself, implying that the dissolution of marriage is not a modern phenomenon but something that has occurred throughout history. However, with his signature humor and irony, Voltaire adds that marriage is "some weeks the more ancient," playing on the idea that marriage, as an institution, likely predates divorce, but not by much.

Voltaire’s remark highlights the complexity of the human relationship with marriage. By positioning divorce as almost as old as marriage, he alludes to the inevitability of conflict and dissatisfaction within relationships, which can lead to separation. His comment suggests that the very institution of marriage may have been created in part to address human relationships, with the option of divorce arising as a necessary counterpoint when those relationships failed to thrive.

The quote also reflects Voltaire's broader philosophical views on society, religion, and human nature. Known for his satirical works, Voltaire often criticized social institutions, including marriage, for their rigid and often hypocritical nature. By humorously claiming that divorce is as ancient as marriage, he subtly critiques the institution, hinting at the human tendency to seek escape from societal obligations when they become unbearable or unjust.

Ultimately, this quote reflects Voltaire's knack for combining sharp wit with philosophical insight, offering a lighthearted yet pointed commentary on the impermanence and fragility of marriage. His view suggests that marriage and its potential dissolution are both intrinsic parts of human experience, shaped by the complexities of relationships and the limits of human endurance.