Observations placeholder

Giordano Bruno – from a general account of bonding

In the stable period of adulthood, men have a greater strength in their semen and, as a result, seem to be more subject to being bound. Furthermore, adolescents and young men seem to be more sexually excited for the reason that they are on fire for a long time because of the novelty of this pleasure; because the passages through which the semen passes are narrower, the wetness gushes forth with a more delightful pleasure. And as a result of the sexual itch which arises from this pressure, they are more delighted and liberated. But bonds are more difficult in older men, whose powers are half dead, whose organs and passages are spent and whose semen is not abundant. Precisely the same thing is found proportionally in the other emotions which have an analogy or contrast or dependence on the passion of love……

Physiognomy also has its part to play in these considerations. There are people who have slender and sinewy tibias, and who are similar to goats and to satyrs in having a wide concave nose, deep breathing and a languid face. Such people love more intensely and pursue sexual license more strongly. At the same time, they are easily appeased and do not have any emotion for a long time.

With respect to bonds, old men are more stable but less suitable; young men are more unstable but more suitable; but middle aged men are bound suitably, skilfully and in a stable manner………..

And the bonds of love, which were intense before sexual intercourse, become relaxed when the seed is ejaculated and the fire becomes moderated, even though the beautiful object remains the same.  Therefore, the whole nature of a bond cannot be found in the object……………