What are your thoughts on complete or partial abstinence?
Are there any philosophers or writings that advocate celibacy, abstinence, sexual self-restraint, etc.?
It's fine to choose to be celibate, and it's probably healthier than a sex addiction, but denying yourself pleasure in pursuit of a higher goal has never really made sense to me.
>>1175279
I should probably mention my thoughts on it. I believe that people should exercise a great amount of sexual restraint and abstain from meaningless sex, i.e. one-night stands, sleeping with people you've only been in a relationship with for a short amount of time, etc. Masturbation should also only be done sporadically when you are stressed and porn should be avoided at all times. Unfortunately, despite these beliefs I have had trouble stopping myself from whoring around, sleeping with anything that walks, and masturbating to increasingly "distasteful" porn, which is why I have decided to turn to philosophy to ease the transition into a more sexually austere life. Have any of you guys had similar troubles with sex, masturbation, or porn?
>>1175296
>denying yourself pleasure in pursuit of a higher goal has never really made sense to me.
That seems very short-termist to me, especially in a general sense. In the context of this topic it might make more sense because sex isn't all that harmful but too much of it and an unrestrained pursuit of pleasure, sexual or otherwise, can be very harmful.
>>1175279
l find the idea of sex to be much more than a carnal urge or a vice it serves purposes beyond mere release or procreation.
The idea of restraint and "meaningless" sex is kind of funny and that's coming from someone whose balls were chopped off.
>>1175351
>l find the idea of sex to be much more than a carnal urge
It's much more than that if it's with someone you love, but someone you've known for a short while or don't know at all; how can that be meaningful?
>>1175298
Funnily enough, I just started a 2 week no-fap 2 days ago.
I am going to start cycling supplements and go back to the gym again to increase test levels and actually regain drive to better myself again.
[spoiler]At the end of that time I am going to hire an escort and blow like 4 loads into/on her :^) That being said, I've never had a girlfriend and have only gotten my sex the last 9 months through either escorts or small group sex set-ups. I do crave sex with someone I care about more than anything, but I don't feel great about myself enough that I deserve to share my life with another person.
>>1175357
I have had sex with people I don't know and have become dear friends even after that one time. Sex can be a mirror with which we can reflect upon ourselves, it is a tool and a gift.
What's sex but a means with which we share pleasure, even if we dont care if we self surviving even in your "meaningless" situation sensation is made by both parties.
It's really not about the acts itself but the intentions around them.
