People try much less hard to make a marriage work than they used to fifty years ago. Divorce is easier.

In this quote, Mary Wesley reflects on the changing dynamics of marriage and the increased ease of divorce in modern times compared to fifty years ago. She suggests that people today may not put as much effort into making a marriage work as they did in the past. Wesley’s comment highlights the shift in societal attitudes toward commitment, with fewer individuals feeling the same pressure to endure challenges or work through difficulties in a relationship as previous generations might have.

Wesley’s observation about divorce being "easier" speaks to the legal, cultural, and social changes that have made it more accessible. Over the past several decades, divorce laws have evolved, with many countries introducing no-fault divorce systems that allow couples to separate without one party needing to prove wrongdoing. This shift has made divorce more common and less stigmatized, leading some to question whether the institution of marriage is as durable or sacred as it once was.

The quote also implies a sense of loss or decline in the value placed on maintaining a marriage. Wesley seems to suggest that in the past, when divorce was less readily available or socially accepted, people might have been more dedicated to resolving conflicts and making their relationships last. The rise of easier divorce options, in her view, may have contributed to a lesser commitment to the effort required to sustain a long-term marriage.

Ultimately, Wesley’s words touch on the evolving nature of marriage and relationships in contemporary society. By comparing the past to the present, she critiques the modern approach to marriage, suggesting that with the ease of divorce, the challenges of staying committed and working through relationship difficulties have diminished, perhaps leading to more fragile unions.