Sex and relationships

Theoretically, you should be prepared to go your whole life without it, or to spend the whole remainder of your life in an orgy, as duty demands.

Practically, I think this is an area where we get a very clear view of how the same virtues express themselves in different acts in different circumstances. Musonious Rufus had very different recommendations from Zeno, probably because Athens was a different society from Rome. There are some universals (e.g. justice demands you abstain from rape and sexual assault), but otherwise I think "how is sexuality best used" is an open question. I personally practice committed serious heterosexual monogamy where sex is a tool to make my loved one feel better and to enhance our bond. I think that's great. But I know bi poly people, and that's more in line with Zeno.

Now, circling back to the concept of being ready for anything, it's really just courage and temperance. You practice it the same way as in any other arena (e.g. food, comfort, what have you). Purposeful practice. Don't have or abstain from sex thoughtlessly, but rather engage with purpose.

/r/Stoicism Thread