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The elephant, not only the largest but the most…

“The elephant, not only the largest but the most intelligent of animals, provides us with an excellent example. It is faithful and tenderly loving to the female of its choice, mating only every third year and then for no more than five days, and so secretly as never to be seen, until, on the sixth…” quote by Saint Francis de Sales
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“The elephant, not only the largest but the most intelligent of animals, provides us with an excellent example. It is faithful and tenderly loving to the female of its choice, mating only every third year and then for no more than five days, and so secretly as never to be seen, until, on the sixth day, it appears and goes at once to wash its whole body in the river, unwilling to return to the herd until thus purified. Such good and modest habits are an example to husband and wife.”

Saint Francis de Sales

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The elephant’s rare, faithful, and modest behavior serves as a model for marital fidelity and humility.

In simple terms: Elephants show loyalty and modesty, a lesson for couples.

Key Takeaway

Embrace loyalty and modesty in marriage.

Themes

marriage loyalty humility nature relationships

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

ethical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • marriage counseling
  • relationship workshops
  • personal reflection
  • teaching ethics

Key Concepts

ethical behavior role modeling animal symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can couples practice modesty daily?
  • What does fidelity mean beyond physical faithfulness?
A Different Perspective

Animals may not perfectly mirror human relationships, so analogies can be oversimplified.

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