One was never married, and that's his hell; another is, and that's his plague

One was never married, and that's his hell; another is, and that's his plague

Robert Burton, a 17th-century English scholar and writer, is best known for his work "The Anatomy of Melancholy." In this extensive and complex book, Burton delves into the various causes and manifestations of melancholy, a condition that was often associated with depression and anxiety in his time. One of the many intriguing passages in the book is the following: "One was never married, and that's his hell; another is, and that's his plague."

This statement reflects Burton's keen understanding of the human condition and the complexities of relationships. In the context of his work on melancholy, Burton is suggesting that both being married and being unmarried can bring about their own unique challenges and difficulties. For the unmarried individual, the lack of a partner and the loneliness that can accompany it can be a source of great suffering. This person may feel isolated, unfulfilled, and longing for companionship. In this way, not being married can be seen as a form of hell, a state of perpetual torment and unhappiness.

On the other hand, Burton also acknowledges that being married is not necessarily a panacea for all of life's problems. In fact, he suggests that for some individuals, being married can be a source of great distress and anguish. The responsibilities and expectations that come with marriage, as well as the potential for conflict and discord within the relationship, can create a sense of plague or affliction for some people. In this way, marriage itself can become a burden, a source of suffering and hardship.

Burton's insight into the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which they can impact our mental and emotional well-being is both profound and timeless. His recognition that both being married and being unmarried can bring about their own unique challenges serves as a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the complexities of the human experience. Instead, we must navigate the intricacies of relationships with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to confront the various joys and sorrows that come with them.