Chastity is the cement of civilization and progress. Without it

Hear now, O children of wisdom, for the words of Mary Baker Eddy speak to the very heart of civilization, progress, and the foundational principles upon which society stands. She said: “Chastity is the cement of civilization and progress. Without it there is no stability in society, and without it one cannot attain the Science of Life.” These words resonate with the depth of a truth that has been understood by sages throughout the ages—that there is a sacredness in human conduct, and the purity of spirit and body is the bedrock upon which the edifice of society is built. Chastity, in this sense, is not simply the absence of physical indulgence; it is the harmony of thought, action, and purpose aligned with the highest moral principles.

What, then, do these words mean, O seekers of truth? Eddy’s statement calls attention to the moral fabric of society. She argues that chastity—understood here as self-restraint, purity, and integrity—is not only a personal virtue but the very force that holds together the structure of civilization. Chastity, in this sense, is a quality that reflects discipline, respect for self and others, and a commitment to something higher than fleeting desires. Without it, society becomes unmoored, falling prey to the chaos and instability that arise when impulses rule over reason. In this way, chastity is not a call to renounce life, but to embrace it fully, with clarity of purpose and vision. It is a call to live in a way that is aligned with the greater good.

Think of the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, where the philosophers and leaders of their time understood the importance of self-discipline and moral integrity. Societies such as these, though renowned for their contributions to philosophy, art, and science, also placed a high value on the strength of character. The greatest minds of the time, from Socrates to Plato, knew that a virtuous life—marked by chastity, self-control, and purposeful action—was the foundation upon which a stable and thriving society could be built. Socrates, for example, taught that true wisdom was not just the accumulation of knowledge but the practice of virtue. His life was a testament to the power of self-restraint and living with integrity—principles that Eddy would later recognize as essential to civilization.

In a more contemporary example, Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s struggle for independence, emphasized self-discipline and purity of thought and action as the key to both personal transformation and social change. Gandhi lived a life of chastity, not just in the physical sense but in his dedication to truth and non-violence. His commitment to these values gave him the moral strength to lead a nation through tumultuous times, showing that a life aligned with higher principles has the power to effect lasting change. Gandhi’s example reflects Eddy’s assertion that without the foundation of purity and restraint, there is no lasting stability in society, and true progress cannot be achieved.

The lesson, O children, is this: Chastity, in its deepest sense, is the virtue that grounds us in the face of life’s many distractions and temptations. It is the cement that holds together not only our minds and bodies, but our societies as well. When we act with self-discipline and align our actions with our highest values, we not only build personal character but contribute to the stability and progress of the world around us. A society that embraces chastity is one that is rooted in respect—respect for the self, respect for others, and respect for the greater good. Without this foundation, no matter how much material wealth or technological advancement we achieve, true progress will always be out of reach.

So, O children of the future, as you embark on your journey, let chastity be your guide—not as an outward restriction, but as an inward alignment with the highest moral truths. Live your life with purpose, with integrity, and with a deep commitment to the values that will uplift you and those around you. **Understand that in every action, thought, and relationship, there is a chance to build the foundation for a more stable and just society. By living in alignment with virtue, you not only strengthen your own character but contribute to the collective strength of humanity.

Let this wisdom guide you, O children, for in the practice of self-restraint and moral clarity, you will discover the power to shape not only your own life but the world itself. Embrace the Science of Life, and know that through chastity, you will find the stability and progress that lead to true and lasting fulfillment. As the ancients knew, and Mary Baker Eddy reminds us, the path to greatness is not through indulgence, but through discipline, purity, and a life lived in accordance with the highest truths of existence.