This quote is essentially a commentary on societal norms and the hypocrisy often found within them. It draws a distinction between two similar acts – fornication and adultery – and points out the different reactions they elicit from society. Fornication, which refers to sexual relations between people not married to each other, is often accepted or at least overlooked by society. However, adultery, which involves a breach of trust as it occurs in the context of a marriage or committed relationship, is generally condemned.

The quote suggests that people are more concerned with the violation of social contracts and the betrayal of trust than the act of sexual relations itself. This is because adultery involves deception and betrayal, which are seen as morally reprehensible. On the other hand, fornication, while not necessarily celebrated, is often tolerated because it doesn’t involve the same level of deceit.

Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see that society still holds similar views. For instance, infidelity in a relationship is often met with scorn and judgement, while casual sexual relationships between consenting adults are more accepted. This could be seen as a reflection of changing social norms, where the focus is more on honesty, respect, and consent, rather than rigid adherence to traditional sexual mores.

In terms of personal development, this quote can serve as a reminder to value trust, honesty, and respect in all relationships, not just romantic ones. It suggests that actions that betray trust or break social contracts are likely to be judged more harshly than actions that simply go against traditional norms. Therefore, it encourages individuals to prioritize honesty and respect for others’ boundaries, which are key to maintaining healthy relationships and a positive reputation in society.