CLASSIC QUOTES IN BDSM CONTEXT

One can find any number of telling and poignant quotes sprinkled throughout the great works of writers and poets in history. Many have interesting leesons for us, when viewed in a BDSM context. I'll be adding to this thread when I can, and I encourage others to do so as well- but only if you like.

I'll start things off with this passage from Plato's "The Last Days Of Socrates". This was written in the 3rd century B.C. Socrates (on death row) and his follower Crito are having a philosophical discussion:

Socrates: "When a man is in training, and taking it seriously, does he pay attention to all praise and criticism and opinion indescriminately, or only when it comes from the one qualified person, the actual doctor or trainer?"

Crito: "Only when it comes from the one qualified person."

Socrates: "Then he should be afraid of the criticism and welcome the praise of the one qualified person, but not those of the general public."

Crito: "Obviously."

Socrates: "So he ought to regulate his actions and exercises and eating and drinking by the judgment of his instructor, who has expert knowledge, rather than by the opinions of the rest of the public."

Crito: "Yes, that is so."

Socrates: "Very well. Now if he disobeys the one man and disregards his opinions and commendations, and pays attention to the advice of the many who have no expert knowledge, surely he will suffer some bad effect?"

Crito: "Certainly."

Socrates: "And what is this bad effect? Where is it produced? I mean, in what part of the disobedient person?"

Crito: "His body, obviously; that is what suffers."

I think it will be revealed that most of these quotes don't have far to travel in order to be applicable to a BDSM lifestyle, and this should come as no surprise at all- because I believe that BDSM doesn't have as far to travel from the so-called "norm" as some might think. The ideas behind BDSM are ones that any human being would recognize.

- FS