'On Virginity (De Virginitate)' Summary

Saint Ambrose's treatise on virginity is a passionate defense of the superiority of the virginal state. He argues that virginity is more pleasing to God than marriage, and that it allows women to achieve a higher level of spiritual perfection. He also contends that virginity is beneficial for the state, as it frees women from the burden of childbearing and allows them to devote themselves to more productive pursuits. Ambrose's treatise was very influential in its time, and it helped to shape the views of the Church on virginity for centuries to come.