The possibility of divorce renders both marriage partners stricter in their observance of the duties they owe to each other. Divorces help to improve morals and to increase the population.

In this quote, Denis Diderot, a French philosopher and key figure of the Enlightenment, reflects on the role of divorce in shaping the dynamics of marriage and society. Diderot argues that the possibility of divorce serves as a deterrent to complacency within marriage, motivating both partners to be more conscientious and committed to fulfilling their duties to each other. The idea is that knowing the option for divorce exists can lead people to put more effort into maintaining harmony and respect within the relationship, thus improving their interactions and mutual care.

Diderot's claim that divorces help improve morals might seem surprising, but it suggests that the freedom to dissolve a marriage allows individuals to avoid staying in unhealthy or oppressive unions, thereby encouraging personal responsibility and ethical behavior. By permitting the option to leave an unhappy marriage, society gives individuals the ability to seek out better relationships, fostering a culture where personal fulfillment and respect are prioritized over enduring unhealthy relationships out of social obligation or fear.

Moreover, Diderot asserts that divorce can also lead to an increase in the population, which might be a reference to the social mobility that often follows divorce, where individuals, particularly women, are able to remarry and have children in more favorable circumstances. In this view, divorce doesn't just disrupt traditional notions of family but can also create opportunities for the growth of families through new marriages.

Overall, Diderot's quote challenges the conventional view of divorce as a moral failing, presenting it instead as a necessary institution that serves to enhance marital relations, promote morality, and contribute to the social and demographic growth of a society. His Enlightenment perspective is grounded in the belief that individual freedom, happiness, and the ability to make personal choices should be central to social and marital arrangements.