Meaning: The quote "Strange, to see what delight we married people have to see these poor fools decoyed into our condition, every man and wife gazing and smiling at them" is a reflection on the peculiar joy that married individuals often find in observing unmarried individuals embarking on the journey of marriage. The quote is attributed to Samuel Pepys, a 17th-century English diarist, who is known for his detailed and candid observations of daily life, including his own experiences with marriage.

Pepys' quote captures the irony and amusement that married individuals often feel when witnessing the enthusiasm and naivety of unmarried individuals as they enter into the institution of marriage. The use of the term "poor fools" conveys a sense of lighthearted jest, suggesting that married people take pleasure in observing the innocence and eagerness of those who are about to take on the responsibilities and challenges of married life.

One interpretation of this quote is that married individuals may find amusement in the idealistic and romanticized notions of marriage held by those who are not yet married. The phrase "decoyed into our condition" implies a sense of enticement or allure, as if the married state is a trap or predicament from which there is no escape. The use of the word "condition" suggests that marriage is a state of being with its own set of circumstances and experiences, which may be seen as both delightful and challenging.

Pepys' observation also highlights the universal nature of marriage as a social institution. The phrase "every man and wife gazing and smiling at them" suggests a collective and communal experience, where married individuals come together to witness and celebrate the union of two people. The act of gazing and smiling at the newly married couple may be seen as a form of validation and affirmation of the married state, as well as a recognition of the journey that the newlyweds are about to embark upon.

It's worth noting that Pepys himself had a somewhat tumultuous and complicated marriage, which adds another layer of complexity to his reflection on the institution of marriage. His diary entries often delve into the personal and emotional aspects of his own marital relationship, providing a rich and nuanced portrayal of the joys and challenges of married life during the 17th century.

In conclusion, Samuel Pepys' quote offers a thought-provoking insight into the dynamics of marriage and the attitudes of married individuals towards the experiences of those who are not yet married. It captures the blend of amusement, empathy, and communal recognition that often accompanies the observation of new marriages. Pepys' candid and wry observation serves as a reminder of the enduring fascination and complexity of the institution of marriage across different time periods and cultural contexts.