Who would have thought I’d be learning about relationships from James Bond…

I’ve invented a rather high-sounding title for this basic factor in human relations. I have called it the Law of the Quantum of Solace.

Ian Flemming, The Quantum of Solace

So what does it mean…

Quantum: (noun) allowed amount.
Solace: (noun) comfort.

The Quantum of Solace; the allowed amount of comfort.

There is some romance in the idea of being carefree, but be careful; to give up all your cares could crash your Quantum of Solace to zero and you could lose the romance you sought. If you’re looking for romance then I wager that care-full rather than care-free is where you should be looking.

Keep your Quantum of Solace high my friends.

The Governor paused and looked reflectively over at Bond. He said: “You’re not married, but I think it’s the same with all relationships between a man and a woman. They can survive anything so long as some basic humanity exists between the two people. … I’ve invented a rather high-sounding title for this basic factor in human relations. I have called it the Law of the Quantum of Solace.” Bond said … “I should say you’re absolutely right. Quantum of Solace – the amount of comfort. … When the other person not only makes you feel insecure but actually seems to want to destroy you, it’s obviously the end. The Quantum of Solace stands at zero. You’ve got to get away to save yourself.”

Ian Flemming, The Quantum of Solace