Inconsistency of the Sex Instinct
The Inconsistency of the Sex Instinct is a book by George Bernard Shaw that explores the complexities and contradictions of human sexuality. The author argues that our society's attitudes towards sex are often hypocritical and irrational, and he proposes a more rational approach to understanding and managing our sexual desires.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1908 · Genre: Philosophical, Social Commentary, Theological · 351 words
First lines
But the question is not so simple as that. Sex is an exceedingly subtle and complicated instinct; and the mass of mankind neither know nor care much about freedom of conscience, which is what Jesus was thinking about, and are concerned almost to obsession with sex, as to which Jesus said nothing. In our sexual natures we are torn by an irresistible attraction and an overwhelming repugnance and disgust. We have two tyrannous physical passions: concupiscence and chastity. We become mad in pursuit of sex: we become equally mad in the persecution of that pursuit. Unless we gratify our desire the race is lost: unless we restrain it we destroy ourselves. We are thus led to devise marriage institutions which will at the same time secure opportunities for the gratification of sex and raise up innumerable obstacles to it; which will sanctify it and brand it as infamous; which will identify it with virtue and with sin simultaneously.
What this Textopian page supports
Inconsistency of the Sex Instinct is listed on Textopian as an essay by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: George Bernard Shaw
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical, Social Commentary, Theological, Essay, Literary Criticism
- Length: 351 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Inconsistency of the Sex Instinct by George Bernard Shaw
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- The Evolution Of Emma by G. K. Chesterton
- What Are Women Made Of by Sabine Baring Gould
- Poor Human Nature by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Fear Of The Film by G. K. Chesterton
- Woman by G. K. Chesterton
- Boys Will Be Boys The Forerunner by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Genres
- Philosophical — The text explores complex ideas about human nature, morality, and societal institutions, reflecting a deep philosophical inquiry.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms and institutions related to sex and marriage, offering a commentary on their inconsistencies.
- Theological — The discussion includes religious figures and concepts, particularly focusing on Jesus's views and their implications.
- Essay — The writing style and structure resemble an essay, presenting arguments and analyses on the subject matter.
Tags
sex · instinct · inconsistency · psychology · gender · sexuality · philosophy · human behavior · relationships · sociology · critique · morality