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Fr. James Smith's avatar

Very well done. I have one or two quibbles only.

Deadbeat Zaddy's avatar

Appreciate that. Curious what the quibbles are.

Fr. James Smith's avatar

Really, my main quibble was with “The Monk” category—specifically the possible equation of voluntary celibacy with “no appetite, no scandal.” As someone voluntarily celibate, I can say that celibacy is not necessarily the absence of desire, novelty drive, or temptation. Often it means those drives are real, but are being disciplined, redirected, and offered toward a higher purpose.

That said, I do think “The Monk” is a fair descriptor of some men—low libido, low novelty drive, low opportunity, or naturally muted appetite. I just wouldn’t collapse that into voluntary celibacy as such. Again—bravo!

Deadbeat Zaddy's avatar

Much respect as I know it takes discipline to be voluntarily celibate. Perhaps you are some variation of “The Mission-First Man”, but maybe conquest is internal. Glad you still resonated with the article.