Marriage was designed as the sole place for the purpose of venery to be satisfied. At least what Franklin points out—personal health and the wellbeing of a family—are realized when the expression of our sexual desires remains within the context of marriage.

If not for chastity, our unbridled expression leads to depletion. We’ll have less excitement, strength, peace, reputation, and most discouragingly, less to offer our spouse in marriage.

Read the transcript for Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues - Chastity

Sign up for the Wisdom in All Things email