Marriage is a very good thing, but I think it's a mistake to make a habit out of it.

In this quote, W. Somerset Maugham offers a playful and somewhat cynical perspective on marriage. While he acknowledges that marriage itself is a "very good thing," he cautions against making it a routine or habitual part of life. Maugham implies that marriage, when treated as a mere routine, may lose its meaning and emotional depth. He suggests that the institution should be approached thoughtfully, not just as a social expectation or a series of commitments that one continually repeats.

The origin of this quote reflects Maugham’s broader worldview, which often questioned traditional values and social conventions. As a novelist and playwright, Maugham frequently explored the complexities of human relationships, individual desires, and the often flawed nature of societal norms. His works, such as Of Human Bondage and The Razor's Edge, delve into the personal struggles of characters as they navigate love, freedom, and self-discovery—themes that resonate with the sentiment expressed in this quote about marriage.

Maugham’s comment critiques the notion that marriage should be a perpetual, unexamined commitment. By calling it a "mistake" to make a habit of marriage, he underscores the importance of personal reflection and the idea that marriage should be a conscious, meaningful choice rather than an automatic decision. His quote suggests that, when viewed as just another life routine, marriage may lose the passion and intention that give it depth.

Ultimately, Maugham’s quote offers a reminder to approach marriage with awareness and intent rather than letting it become a habitual, unquestioned part of life. He invites reflection on the balance between commitment and personal freedom, suggesting that marriage can be fulfilling when entered into thoughtfully, rather than as a mere expectation.