Literary notes about Carnal (AI summary)
In literature, "carnal" is frequently used to highlight the tension between the physical and the spiritual, often marking a departure from higher, more refined ideals. It appears in religious and philosophical writings where it denotes worldly, fleshly desires that stand in opposition to spiritual purity or divine reason ([1], [2], [3]). At times the term is applied rather pejoratively—to characterize individuals or groups as being overly preoccupied with bodily appetites ([4], [5], [6])—while in other contexts it serves as a neutral descriptor for the material, earthly aspects of human existence ([7], [8]). Overall, the word "carnal" enriches literary discourse by capturing the complexities of human nature and the constant interplay between base impulses and loftier aspirations ([9], [10]).
- They who for Thy love have cast away every carnal delight shall find the sweetest consolation of the Holy Ghost.
— from The Imitation of Christ by à Kempis Thomas - And I, brethren, could not speak to you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Thus did my two wills, one new, and the other old, one carnal, the other spiritual, struggle within me; and by their discord, undid my soul.
— from The Confessions of St. Augustine by Bishop of Hippo Saint Augustine - The cannibal, beholding her in that charming human form, suspected that she was desirous of carnal intercourse and became indignant.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - A beautiful female body might well excite a man to carnal indulgence, even though the head were covered, but never to real love.
— from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova - You know what I mean; all carnal and fleshly content.
— from The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come by John Bunyan - These people of the remote future were strict vegetarians, and while I was with them, in spite of some carnal cravings, I had to be frugivorous also.
— from The Time Machine by H. G. Wells - If the thought is carnal, the body must correspond, must express it in some physical discord.
— from Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden - The παραπτώματα are the actual definite transgressions, while the ἀκροβυστία τῆς σαρκός is the impure carnal disposition which prompts to them.
— from St. Paul's Epistles to the Colossians and Philemon by J. B. Lightfoot - And on others have mercy, in fear, hating also the spotted garment which is carnal.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
