"Was celibacy practiced by the Essenes? Where it was practiced, does it have roots, does it originate in the genius, in the history, in the past of Judaism? I hasten to tell you, with regard to the first question, that celibacy was indeed an institution of the Essenes; however, it was not practiced equally by all. When we discuss their laws and their institution, we will see how serious restrictions must accompany the widespread belief that all Essenes indiscriminately practiced celibacy. Yet it was practiced; and if not all considered it the most perfect of states, it was certainly held in high esteem by some."