Here we have an explanation of many lamentable and otherwise
inexplicable violations of domestic integrity. The woman in the case
is commonly dismissed as vicious, but that is no more than a new
example of the common human tendency to attach the concept of
viciousness to whatever is natural, and intelligent, and above the
comprehension of politicians, theologians and green-grocers.




24.


Intermezzo on Monogamy


The prevalence of monogamy in Christendom is commonly ascribed
to ethical motives. This is quite as absurd as ascribing wars to
ethical motives which is, of course, frequently done. The simple
truth is that ethical motives are no more than deductions from
experience, and that they are quickly abandoned whenever
experience turns against them. In the present case experience is still
overwhelming on the side of monogamy; civilized men are in favour
of it because they find that it works. And why does it work?
Because it is the most effective of all available antidotes to the
alarms and terrors of passion. Monogamy, in brief, kills
passion--and passion is the most dangerous of all the surviving
enemies to what we call civilization, which is based upon order,
decorum, restraint, formality, industry, regimentation. The civilized
man--the ideal civilized man--is simply one who never sacrifices the