Celibacy, like the fly in the heart of an apple, dwells in…
“Celibacy, like the fly in the heart of an apple, dwells in perpetual sweetness, but sits alone, and is confined and dies in singularity; but marriage, like the useful bee, builds a house, and gathers sweetness from every flower, and labors and unites into societies and republics, and sends out colonies, and feeds the world with delicacies, and keeps order, and exercises many virtues, and promotes the interest of mankind, and is that state of good to which God hath designed the present constitution of the world.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Compares celibacy to a solitary, sweet but dying fruit, while marriage is likened to a productive bee that builds society and nurtures humanity.
In simple terms: Celibacy is isolated; marriage creates community.
Key Takeaway
Value partnership for societal growth.
Themes
love
marriage
community
virtue
society
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- family building
- community development
Key Concepts
philosophy
religion
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How does partnership foster societal stability?
- What virtues arise from shared life?
A Different Perspective
May overlook benefits of celibacy for individuals.