Love built on beauty, soon as beauty, dies.
John DonneRead
I call not that virginity a virtue, which resideth onely in the bodies integrity; much less if it be with a purpose of perpetually keeping it: for then it is a most inhumane vice. - But I call that Virginity a virtue which is willing and desirous to yield it self upon honest and lawfull terms, when just reason requireth; and until then, is kept with a modest chastity of body and mind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Virginity is not merely about physical integrity, but about the willingness to share oneself under appropriate circumstances.
John Donne's quote expresses a nuanced view of virginity, emphasizing that true virtue lies not in mere physical preservation but in the intention and conditions under which one chooses to yield their body and soul. He advocates for a conception of virginity that honors both modesty and the rightful desires of love, suggesting that it should be given freely and respectfully when the situation calls for it, rather than hoarded as a rigid obligation.
Themes
VirginityLoveVirtueChastityModesty
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about relationships, this quote can help clarify the value of emotional connection over physical restraint.
More from John Donne
All quotes →Reason is our soul's left hand, Faith her right, By these we reach divinity
John DonneRead
All occasions invite His mercies, and all times are His seasons.
John DonneRead
If poisonous minerals, and if that tree, Whose fruit threw death on else immortal us, If lecherous goats, if serpents envious Cannot be damned; alas; why should I be?
John DonneRead
Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
John DonneRead
And now good morrow to our waking souls, Which watch not one another out of fear; For love, all love of other sights controls, And makes one little room, an everywhere. Let sea-discoverers to new worlds have gone, Let maps to other, worlds on worlds have shown, Let us possess one world, each hath one, and is one.
John DonneRead
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