Celibacy Quote by David Hume
““Celibacy,fasting, penance, mortification, self-denial, humility, silence, solitude and the whole train of monkish virtues...Stupify the understanding and harden the heart, obscure the fancy and sour the temper...A gloomy hair-brained enthusiast, after his death, may have a place in the calendar, but will scarcely ever be admitted, when alive, into intimacy and society, except by those who are as delerious and dismal as himself.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Treatise on Human Nature, 1739
Excessive asceticism can dull empathy and alienate one from society, making the practitioner appear detached and bitter.
In simple terms: Too much self‑denial isolates and hardens the heart.
Key Takeaway
Balance virtue with social connection.
Themes
humility
self‑denial
social isolation
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- monastic life
- personal development
- community building
Key Concepts
asceticism
psychology
empathy
Questions to Reflect On
- Can discipline be practiced without losing compassion?
- How does society view extreme self‑denial?
A Different Perspective
Such extreme practices may hinder emotional growth and relationships.
