I wasn't looking for another marriage. I had been married before. He is a nice man - a geologist, an Ernest Hemingway type. But Paul and I married because of convention.

In this quote, Linda McCartney reflects on her previous marriage and how it differed from her relationship with Paul McCartney. She states that she wasn’t seeking another marriage, having already been married once before, and describes her first husband as a "nice man", a geologist who she compares to the Ernest Hemingway type—presumably meaning someone who embodied traditional masculinity and adventure. However, she suggests that her first marriage, unlike her second to Paul McCartney, was largely based on convention—likely referring to societal expectations of marriage and not necessarily a deep emotional connection or romantic choice.

The mention of convention is crucial, as it implies that her first marriage was influenced more by social norms and external pressures than by personal desires or love. In contrast, Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney's marriage is often seen as more authentic and based on mutual affection, with Linda acknowledging that she married Paul for reasons more aligned with personal connection than societal expectations. This contrast underscores the idea that while her first marriage was about fulfilling what society expected, her marriage to Paul was based on a deeper, more personal bond.

Linda's description of Paul as a "nice man" and comparing him to an Ernest Hemingway type suggests that she valued his strength of character and perhaps his adventurous spirit, traits often associated with the famous author. However, she doesn’t emphasize these qualities as the primary reason for their marriage. Instead, she notes that the decision to marry Paul was driven by more profound and personal reasons, suggesting a more romantic and emotionally fulfilling connection than the first.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Linda McCartney's reflections on her life and relationships, particularly her marriage to Paul McCartney. As an accomplished musician and photographer, Linda's relationship with Paul was widely scrutinized, and she often spoke candidly about their partnership. Her remark here offers insight into her perspective on marriage and the difference between being driven by societal expectations versus genuine connection.