--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A man may be cheerful and contented in…" description: "\"A man may be cheerful and contented in celibacy, but I do not think he can ever be happy; it is an unnatural state, and the best feelings of his nature..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/37a/robert-southey-4115_action_a-man-may-be-cheerful-and-contented-in-c_722320.png" --- # A man may be cheerful and contented in celibacy, but I do… ![“A man may be cheerful and contented in celibacy, but I do not think he can ever be happy; it is an unnatural state, and the best feelings of his nature are never called into action.” quote by Robert Southey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/37a/robert-southey-4115_action_a-man-may-be-cheerful-and-contented-in-c_722320.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/37a/robert-southey-4115_action_a-man-may-be-cheerful-and-contented-in-c_722320.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/37a/robert-southey-4115_action_a-man-may-be-cheerful-and-contented-in-c_722320.png) > “A man may be cheerful and contented in celibacy, but I do not think he can ever be happy; it is an unnatural state, and the best feelings of his nature are never called into action.” [Robert Southey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-southey/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Argues that celibacy prevents true happiness because it suppresses natural desires. **In simple terms:** Celibacy may hinder happiness. Key Takeaway Consider the role of desire in fulfillment. Themes happiness celibacy human nature Mood contemplative thoughtful Type philosophical When to use this quote - relationships - personal development - spiritual practice Key Concepts philosophy psychology Questions to Reflect On - Is happiness dependent on sexual expression? - Can fulfillment be found without desire? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) [Celibacy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/celibacy/) [Cheerful](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cheerful/) [Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Marriage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/marriage/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [If, hypothetically, Western Catholicism were to review the issue of celibacy, I think it would do so for cultural reasons, not so much as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pope-francis/if-hypothetically-western-catholicism-were-to-review-the-issue-of/) [Pope Francis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pope-francis/) > [A man he seems of cheerful yesterdays And confident tomorrows.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-wordsworth/a-man-he-seems-of-cheerful-yesterdays-and-confident-tomorrows/) [William Wordsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-wordsworth/) > [He who believes in goodness has the essence of all faith. 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