Psychology of sex - Total No. of Records in System :: 2032

CHAPTER VIIICONCLUSIONThe Dynamic Nature of The Sexual ImpulseUNDER the ordinary conditions o social life, as we knowit in civilization, there are three main channels alongwhich we may direct the energy o the sexual impulse:(i) We may avoid all overt manifestations, leaving theimpulse to expend its dynamic energy along whateverpaths, normal or abnormal, the organism may lend itselfto; (2)We may be content with temporary or merelycasual sexual relationships, of which prostitutionis thefamiliar type; (3) We may enter on marriage, that is tosay, a sexual relationship set up with the intention of,possible, making it permanent, and involving a communityof more than sexual interests. There can be nodoubt whatever that whatever one's religion or moralprinciples may be or even in the absence of any thisthird condition, even in the absence of children, leads tothe richest and deepest life experience.But while it is the best path, it is without doubt adifficult path. Indeed, as we have seen, the whole path ofsexual activity, and not only for the neuropathic but evenfor the normal, is. beset with perils. This is in part due tothe comparatively late period at which the sexual impulse,as compared to the other impulses, undergoes full development,even though it may begin early, in part to theperiodic and violent nature of the impulse, and in part,not the least part, to the rigid rules which religion, morals,[353]if