Apostles Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“For St. Paul only says that it is better to be married than to burn. Now I presume that if that apostle had known that providence would at an after day be so kind to any particular set of people as to furnish them with other means of extinguishing their fire than those of matrimony, he would have earnestly recmmended them to their practice.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Notes on the State of Virginia, 1785
Jefferson critiques the notion that marriage is preferable to celibacy, suggesting alternative ways to control desire beyond matrimony.
In simple terms: Marriage isn’t the only way to control desire.
Key Takeaway
Consider alternative self‑discipline methods.
Themes
marriage
desire
self‑control
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- relationships
- spiritual practice
- self‑discipline
Key Concepts
religion
personal liberty
Questions to Reflect On
- What other practices can temper desire?
- How do cultural norms shape views on celibacy?
A Different Perspective
Not all cultures view marriage as the sole solution.
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