--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What holds the world together, as I have…" description: "\"What holds the world together, as I have learned from bitter experience, is sexual intercourse.\" — Henry Miller" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/098/henry-miller-179_bitter_what-holds-the-world-together-as-i-have_2871811.jpg" --- # What holds the world together, as I have learned from… ![“What holds the world together, as I have learned from bitter experience, is sexual intercourse.” quote by Henry Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/098/henry-miller-179_bitter_what-holds-the-world-together-as-i-have_2871811.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/098/henry-miller-179_bitter_what-holds-the-world-together-as-i-have_2871811.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/098/henry-miller-179_bitter_what-holds-the-world-together-as-i-have_2871811.jpg) > “What holds the world together, as I have learned from bitter experience, is sexual intercourse.” [Henry Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-miller/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human connection through sex is portrayed as a fundamental force that holds society together, despite its complexities. **In simple terms:** Sexual intimacy binds people and society. Key Takeaway Recognize intimacy as a vital social glue. Themes relationships human nature sexuality societal cohesion philosophy Mood reflective provocative Type philosophical literary When to use this quote - marriage counseling - education - artistic expression - political discourse Key Concepts existentialism psychology social contract Questions to Reflect On - What other forces unite societies? - How can intimacy be respected ethically? A Different Perspective May overlook non‑sexual forms of connection and consent issues. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bitter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bitter/) [Bitter experience](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bitter-experience/) [Experience Sexual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/experience-sexual-3933028/) [I have learned](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/i-have-learned/) [Intercourse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intercourse/) [Sex](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sex/) [Sexual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sexual/) [Sexual intercourse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sexual-intercourse/) [Sexuality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sexuality/) [Together](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/together/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [“This is all a figurative way of speaking about what is unmentionable. What is unmentionable is pure fuck and pure cunt; it must be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-miller/this-is-all-a-figurative-way-of-speaking-about-what-is-unmentionable/) [Henry Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-miller/) > [Sexual intercourse... a joyous, joyous, joyous, joyous impaling of woman on man's sensual mast.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anais-nin/sexual-intercourse-a-joyous-joyous-joyous-joyous-impaling-of-woman-on/) [Anais Nin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anais-nin/) > [Prostitution means sexual intercourse between a man and a woman aimed at satisfying the man's sexual and the woman's economic needs. 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As an amusement, it is too fleeting; as an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/of-all-the-various-kinds-of-sexual-intercourse-this-has-the-least-to/) [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) > [“To a woman sexual intimacy is more a tool to get mentally close to her partner than merely a means to physical pleasure.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhijit-naskar/to-a-woman-sexual-intimacy-is-more-a-tool-to-get-mentally-close-to/) [Abhijit Naskar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhijit-naskar/) > [“Sex is not just about going in or letting in, it is really about welcoming your dearly beloved into the deepest regions of your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhijit-naskar/sex-is-not-just-about-going-in-or-letting-in-it-is-really-about/) [Abhijit Naskar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhijit-naskar/) > [Anyone who calls it "sexual intercourse" can't possibly be interested in actually doing it. 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