Marriage, like money, is still with us; and, like money, progressively devalued.

The quote, "Marriage, like money, is still with us; and, like money, progressively devalued," comes from Robert Graves, an English poet, novelist, and essayist known for his sharp insights into human relationships and societal norms. Graves often explored themes of love, gender, and society in his work, and this quote reflects his somewhat cynical view of the institution of marriage in modern society. By drawing a parallel between marriage and money, Graves comments on the ways both have lost their original meaning or value in contemporary life.

In the quote, Graves suggests that marriage, once viewed as a sacred and essential institution, has, over time, become less meaningful or less significant. Much like money, which may have once been considered a concrete measure of wealth and value but has since become more abstract and subject to inflation, marriage, in Graves' view, has become increasingly commonplace and less revered. This devaluation could be interpreted as a reflection of the changing social attitudes towards marriage, where it is no longer seen as a lifelong, unbreakable commitment but rather as a contract that can be altered or discarded based on personal preferences.

Graves also implies that, just like money, marriage has become more pragmatic and transactional in nature. The romantic idealism of marriage as a union based on love, trust, and commitment has, in his view, been replaced by more practical or material concerns. This could include financial stability, personal convenience, or societal expectations, which have all contributed to the erosion of the deeper emotional and spiritual significance once associated with marriage.

Ultimately, Graves’ quote invites reflection on the changing value of both marriage and money in modern society. It serves as a critique of how societal shifts have impacted the perception of long-term commitment, suggesting that both institutions—once central to social and personal life—have become diluted over time. In this view, the loss of authenticity and meaning in marriage mirrors broader trends in the ways we engage with material and social constructs.