The idealistic goal of human sex evolution is monogamy, but it often fails due to a lack of rugged self-control, the acme of all human virtues. [1] Self-control is better than extreme self-denial. [2] The Dark Ages bear witness to the restoration of balance between self-liberty and self-control. [3]
Self-control, demanded of advancing mankind, is the supreme test of civilization's actuality, especially when it comes to regulating the powerful sex urge. [4] The greatest warrior overcomes and subdues himself, standing noble in the face of enemies and seeking wisdom and virtue. [5] Self-control leads to altruistic service, the true fruit of genuine self-respect. [6] In expanding human wisdom, man must substitute transcended restraints with new, voluntarily assumed restraints based on moral dictates. [7] The manifestation of greatness on a world like Urantia is the exhibition of self-control, the real measure of planetary greatness. [8] Self-control is mightier than conquering a city when one walks before God and rules their own spirit with love, mercy, and quiet confidence. [9]
Havona exemplifies supreme and perfect self-control in living will creatures, equating mind with spirit and uniting intelligence with limitless potential. [10]
Religion imposes heightened self-discipline, lessening emotional conflict and making mortal life truly worth living, leading to intense striving for supermortal ideals with increasing patience, forbearance, fortitude, and tolerance. [11] Self-control eclipses the necessity for human laws as society evolves towards moral and spiritual enlightenment. [12] The measure of man's moral nature and indicator of spiritual development is self-mastery, greater than capturing a city. [13] The attainment of perfection in self-restraint equals completeness in personal liberty, fostering self-understanding and voluntary self-mastery. [14] True liberty is the fruit of enhanced self-control in the exalted state. [15]
Trust is the sacred measure of self-mastery and character, revealing the true sense of obligation and solemnity to all will creatures and governing authorities alike. [16]
Enhanced self-control leads to a more fulfilling life with fewer personal demands, promoting individual liberty and progress. [17]
Emotional maturity is essential for wise statesmen to work towards international cooperation and avoid the destructiveness of selfish political sagacity. [18] Lesson on self-mastery: Self-control is the measure of man's moral nature and indicator of spiritual development. [19] Restraint in all things is the key to true wisdom and happiness. [20]
Self-mastery is the secret to mastering oneself, bound up with faith in the indwelling spirit, leading to true repentance and triumphant freedom as liberated sons of God. [21]
Evolutionary religion provided the foundation for human discipline and self-control, fostering civilization and societal continuity. [22] Food hoarding developed self-control, creating the first problems of capital and labor in society's agelong struggle for survival. [23]
Primitive man cannot emerge with significant self-control due to the principles of biologic evolution, but external restraints like time, space, hunger, and fear help circumscribe their choices. [24]
Olden ideas of self-control included flogging and physical torture as taught by the priests of the mother cult, who set the example with castration to promote physical suffering as a virtue among Hebrews, Hindus, and Buddhists. [25] Restraint against boasting or displaying beauty was a form of self-control, meant to prevent envy from envious spirits. [26]
Self-control is a taboo, essential step in developing the achievements of civilization and the real rungs on which man climbed civilization's ascending ladder. [27]