I think this is a good point. Elizabeth is often painted as a sort of early nerd, but her real passion is the outdoors and exercise, and at the end of the novel we're told that Darcy will improve her mind. I think the picture we see there is of a lively but somewhat undisciplined and undeveloped intellect, and that while quick with her tongue she probably has not done as much serious reading or thinking with those quick wits as she might have.
I would, however, disagree that this means that she would have been OK with just any amiable fellow. I think Mr. Bennet is right in calling her character; if she could not truly respect her partner in life, she would soon have despised him. Her lively intellect and gift for charming agreeable men would soon have placed her in considerable danger of being suspected of an extramarital affair, if not actually of committing one.
And I agree with you in thinking that Lizzy doesn't necessarily need a guiding passion to be happy in a marriage. Affection, respect, and admiration, certainly, but I think there are plenty of marriages (then as now) that have done just fine without much of passion.
I would, however, disagree that this means that she would have been OK with just any amiable fellow. I think Mr. Bennet is right in calling her character; if she could not truly respect her partner in life, she would soon have despised him. Her lively intellect and gift for charming agreeable men would soon have placed her in considerable danger of being suspected of an extramarital affair, if not actually of committing one.
And I agree with you in thinking that Lizzy doesn't necessarily need a guiding passion to be happy in a marriage. Affection, respect, and admiration, certainly, but I think there are plenty of marriages (then as now) that have done just fine without much of passion.