Likings arise when one has no earthly reason for liking - the most wildly improbable marriages and uncommon friendship.

In this quote, Patrick O'Brian explores the idea that likings or deep connections can form between people or things without any logical or practical explanation. He suggests that friendships and even marriages can emerge from seemingly improbable circumstances, where there is no clear reason for the connection to exist. This speaks to the mysterious and unpredictable nature of human relationships, where strong bonds can form unexpectedly and without any clear rational basis.

O'Brian's reference to wildly improbable marriages highlights how some of the most enduring relationships are not based on practicality, convenience, or conventional expectations, but on an inexplicable connection between two individuals. This reinforces the idea that relationships are often driven by emotions, shared experiences, or an innate sense of affinity rather than reasoned decisions or societal norms.

The mention of uncommon friendships further extends this idea, suggesting that even the most unlikely of people can form deep and meaningful relationships. These friendships are often unexpected and don't follow traditional paths, challenging the conventional understanding of how friendship should develop. O'Brian seems to celebrate the idea that relationships can be shaped by serendipity or an unseen force, making them all the more special and significant.

Ultimately, O'Brian’s quote reminds us that liking someone or forming a deep connection with them does not always need to be based on reason or conventional understanding. Sometimes the best relationships are the ones that arise against all odds, with no clear explanation for why two people feel drawn to each other. This unpredictability is what makes human relationships so complex and fascinating.