---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They see nothing indecent in sexual…"
description: "\"“They see nothing indecent in sexual intercourse, whether heterosexual or homosexual, and indulge in it quite openly, in full view of everyone. The onl..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb5/lucian-of-samosata-44085_heterosexual_they-see-nothing-indecent-in-sexual-inte_2372796.jpg"
---

#  They see nothing indecent in sexual intercourse, whether…

![“They see nothing indecent in sexual intercourse, whether heterosexual or homosexual, and indulge in it quite openly, in full view of everyone. The only exception was Socrates, who was always swearing that his relations with young men were purely Platonic, but nobody believed him for a moment, and…” quote by Lucian of Samosata](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb5/lucian-of-samosata-44085_heterosexual_they-see-nothing-indecent-in-sexual-inte_2372796.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb5/lucian-of-samosata-44085_heterosexual_they-see-nothing-indecent-in-sexual-inte_2372796.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb5/lucian-of-samosata-44085_heterosexual_they-see-nothing-indecent-in-sexual-inte_2372796.jpg)

> ““They see nothing indecent in sexual intercourse, whether heterosexual or homosexual, and indulge in it quite openly, in full view of everyone. The only exception was Socrates, who was always swearing that his relations with young men were purely Platonic, but nobody believed him for a moment, and Hyacinthus and Narcissus gave first-hand evidence to the contrary.””

[Lucian of Samosata](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucian-of-samosata/)

## About This Quote

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

Lucian mocks the hypocrisy of moral judgments, noting that even revered figures may hide scandalous behavior.

**In simple terms:** People often judge others while ignoring their own flaws.

Key Takeaway

Question appearances and seek deeper truth.

Themes

hypocrisy morality sexuality reputation

Mood

skeptical ironic

Type

satirical philosophical

When to use this quote

- modern ethics debates
- personal relationships
- cultural criticism

Key Concepts

double standards public perception ancient philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

- What does this reveal about societal double standards?
- How should we balance respect for historical figures with critical inquiry?

A Different Perspective

Satirical works can exaggerate for effect, not always reflecting reality.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Heterosexual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heterosexual/) [Platonic love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/platonic-love/) [Satire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/satire/) [Sexual intercourse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sexual-intercourse/) [Young men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/young-men/)

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## More by Lucian of Samosata

> [“Give me a scholar, therefore, who is able to think and to write, to look with an eye of discernment into things, and to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucian-of-samosata/give-me-a-scholar-therefore-who-is-able-to-think-and-to-write-to-look/)

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