Ancient Quote by Brigham Young
“The founders of that ancient empire were robbers and women stealers, and made laws favoring monogamy in consequence of the scarcity of women among them, and hence this monogamic system which now prevails throughout all Christendom, and which has been so fruitful a source of prostitution and whoredom throughout all the Christian monogamic cities of the Old and New World, until rottenness and decay are at the root of their institutions both national and religious.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Historical Critique of Monogamy, 1850
Monogamy in Christianity originated from social scarcity and has led to moral decay and exploitation.
In simple terms: Monogamy’s roots are pragmatic, not divine.
Key Takeaway
Question historical assumptions.
Themes
history
religion
social structures
morality
gender
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Sociological research
- theological debate
- policy reform
- education curricula
Key Concepts
Patriarchy
Institutional critique
Cultural evolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How have cultural contexts shaped marital norms?
- What alternatives exist for equitable relationships?
A Different Perspective
Complex causes beyond scarcity influence monogamy.
![“Women [in ancient Rome] were condemned to the perpetual tutelage of parents, husbands, or guardians; a sex created to please and obey was never supposed to have attained the age of reason and experience. Such, at least, was the stern and haughty spirit of the ancient law . . .” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b7f/edward-gibbon-710_age_women-in-ancient-rome-were-condemned-to_2414906.jpg)
