Quote by Robert Louis Stevenson
You can forgive people who do not follow you through a philosophical disquisition but to find your wife laughing when you had tears in your eyes, or staring when you were in a fit of laughter, would go some way towards a dissolution of the marriage.
Summary
This quote highlights the contrasting significance of intellectual compatibility versus emotional understanding in a relationship. It suggests that while differences in philosophical views can be forgiven, the absence of empathy and emotional connection, such as when one's partner laughs at their tears or fails to understand their laughter, can contribute to the breakdown of a marriage. It speaks to the fundamental need for emotional support and understanding in a romantic partnership, emphasizing its importance over purely intellectual compatibility.