There are circumstances in the imperfect condition we know as human existence when polygyny is morally preferable to its alternative. Individually, such a condition might arise if, early in the marriage, the wife were to contract paralysis or another disability that would prevent sexual union. Collectively, a war that decimated the male population could provide an example, forcing (as this would) the option between polygyny and depriving a large population of women of motherhood and a nuclear family of any sort. Idealists may call for the exercise of heroic continence in such circumstances, but heroism is never a mass option.


On polygyny is Islam. - The World's Religions (1991)

Huston Smith Quotes

There are circumstances in the imperfect condition we know as human existence when polygyny is morally preferable to its alternative. Individually,...

There are circumstances in the imperfect condition we know as human existence when polygyny is morally preferable to its alternative. Individually,...

There are circumstances in the imperfect condition we know as human existence when polygyny is morally preferable to its alternative. Individually,...

There are circumstances in the imperfect condition we know as human existence when polygyny is morally preferable to its alternative. Individually,...