Continency (Noun)
Meaning
The exercise of self constraint in sexual matters.
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- Some ancient philosophers promoted continency as the highest virtue, praising those who achieved self-control in all aspects of their lives, including their sexual desires.
- Monks in some monastic orders practice continency to purify their bodies and focus their minds on their spiritual journeys.
- By refraining from sensual indulgence and maintaining continency, an individual could be freed to concentrate on the deeper pursuits of knowledge and art.
- Practicing continency as an individual exercise has led to higher degrees of clarity of mind, higher morals and most significantly peace and spiritual equilibrium in its many patrons and adopters.
- With regard to love affairs or pleasure from amorous intrigues a proponent would support temperance by enforcing abstinence that reflected complete continency rather than temporary marital seclusion