Context

This line is spoken by Jane in the book Jane Eyre, written by Charlotte Brontë. (1847)

Some people marry for love. Some people marry for money. Some people marry because they think their potential mate is of good, sturdy, breeding stock to be a missionary in India. St. John Rivers is behind door number three.

He's not just eye candy. St. John is also practical. Although he is in love with someone else, he values Jane for her solid constitution. Jane respects St. John as a friend, but she's not willing to marry him without feeling love. So, a rift grows between them.

St. John's sisters prompt Jane to reconcile with St. John, who has the audacity to leave without saying "Good night, Jane." (How rude!) Then, she runs after him, thinking, "I would always rather be happy than dignified." He's her friend, and she wants to repair that friendship.

That's our Jane, putting matters of the heart before stuffy old matters of etiquette.

Where you've heard it

You've heard this if someone is following their heart and going against social mores to do so. Give them a well-deserved pat on the back.

Buzzfeed also drops this quote as one of 21 reasons why Jane Eyre kicks butt. (We're paraphrasing.)

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

You could do a lot worse than having Jane Eyre as your spirit animal. Quote as you please here.