This quote reflects a sentiment that the passage of time can seem particularly swift when one experiences it through financial obligations such as alimony payments. In practical terms, this means that paying regular sums each month for child support or maintenance feels like the days and weeks are fleeting more quickly than they would otherwise.
Beyond its surface meaning, the quote also touches on how significant responsibilities—especially those with a recurring monetary aspect—can distort our perception of time. It suggests that while time is constant, the experience of it can vary greatly depending on the context or situation we find ourselves in at any given moment. The feeling of time flying by when engaged in regular financial transactions like alimony payments highlights how responsibilities and obligations can influence our subjective sense of time.
John Barrymore, an American actor, is known for his roles in both theater and film during the early to mid-20th century. He was a versatile performer with a long career that spanned several decades, and he left behind many memorable quotes and performances that are still discussed today. His observation about alimony captures not only personal experience but also a broader human sentiment regarding how responsibilities can shape our perception of time.
