---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: And why do so many people wilfully…"
description: "\"And why do so many people wilfully exhaust their strength in promiscuous living, when their wives are on hand from bridal night till old age - to be ta..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/414/ihara-saikaku-27027_age_and-why-do-so-many-people-wilfully-exhau_1905507.jpg"
---

#  And why do so many people wilfully exhaust their strength…

![“And why do so many people wilfully exhaust their strength in promiscuous living, when their wives are on hand from bridal night till old age - to be taken when required, like fish from a private pond.” quote by Ihara Saikaku](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/414/ihara-saikaku-27027_age_and-why-do-so-many-people-wilfully-exhau_1905507.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/414/ihara-saikaku-27027_age_and-why-do-so-many-people-wilfully-exhau_1905507.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/414/ihara-saikaku-27027_age_and-why-do-so-many-people-wilfully-exhau_1905507.jpg)

> “And why do so many people wilfully exhaust their strength in promiscuous living, when their wives are on hand from bridal night till old age - to be taken when required, like fish from a private pond.”

[Ihara Saikaku](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ihara-saikaku/)

## About This Quote

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

People waste energy on fleeting pleasures despite having lasting partners.

**In simple terms:** People chase short‑term thrills over lasting love.

Key Takeaway

Seek lasting fulfillment.

Themes

desire marriage societal norms

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical social

When to use this quote

- relationships
- personal choices
- cultural expectations
- null

Key Concepts

Japanese literature sexual politics

Questions to Reflect On

- Why do we pursue temporary pleasures?
- How does societal pressure shape our choices?

A Different Perspective

Cultural context may differ; some view promiscuity as personal freedom.

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