Marriage brings one into fatal connection with custom and tradition, and traditions and customs are like the wind and weather, altogether incalculable.

In this quote, Søren Kierkegaard explores the complexities and uncertainties of marriage through a philosophical lens. He suggests that marriage inevitably ties individuals to custom and tradition, which are often beyond their control or prediction. By likening these societal constructs to wind and weather, he emphasizes their unpredictability and the fact that they can influence one's life in ways that are difficult to foresee or manage. Marriage, in this sense, is not only a personal commitment but also a submission to the external pressures of tradition and the expectations that come with it.

Kierkegaard’s words reflect his broader philosophical concerns with individual freedom and societal constraints. He believed that customs and traditions—though often taken for granted—can act as powerful forces that shape people's lives in ways that may be stifling or even fatal to personal development. The metaphor of weather suggests that these forces are inevitable and sometimes disruptive, highlighting the tension between personal desires and societal norms within the framework of marriage.

The origin of this quote lies within Kierkegaard’s exploration of existential and relational themes in his writings, particularly his work on commitment and the challenges of authenticity in human relationships. As a thinker deeply concerned with the individual's struggle against societal expectations, Kierkegaard saw marriage not only as a partnership but also as a societal institution that imposes rigid norms. He argued that navigating these pressures requires a deep sense of individual responsibility and self-awareness.

In essence, Kierkegaard's quote serves as a reminder that marriage is not just a union between two people, but also a social contract that can entangle individuals in traditions and customs that may not align with their true selves. This reflection calls for an awareness of the larger forces at play in shaping human relationships, suggesting that one must approach marriage with both freedom and caution.