Thanks for the reply Diebert -
I never read much on Freud, primarily because he mostly added to my confusion about s-e-x. Of course I was 18 then and am 65 now, so I have a different perspective. Forgive me for making a joke at Freud's expense:
It's no surprise that Freud later on wrote about "death drive" and not "s-e-x drive" any more.
This is a natural move of our consciousness as we get older, to let go of the fixation on s-e-x and start wondering how much time we have left on this planet.
But the greater point, which the OP seemed to be getting at, is that there are very different grades of mentality among men. He had come across people who experienced exalted states of mind and was disappointed (rightly) that there exist a multitude determined to drag him down to earth (as if they plan to be here forever too).
For a 20-year old to take an interest in celibacy as a means to a higher life is a remarkable thing in this day and age, when what used to be considered depravity is now even invited to the White House (not trying to get political, just that it's the highest office in the land).
The benefits of celibacy are subjective and can only be known when the practice is tried. However, as the OP mentioned, some of the highest minds in history recommended it as a way to reach cosmic consciousness or whatever word one cares to use for higher states of mind.
Speaking honestly, especially with college age people, the use of the word "celibacy" is a polite way of recommending that they refrain from masturbation. Again, thousands will rush in to ridicule and scorn such an idea; however, these are not among the highest minds in history.
Thanks for allowing me to post links now. I was thinking of using the original post for the "celibacy quotes" section of my website, which contains a variety of views on celibacy. The post struck me instantly as an example of a clear and determined search for a higher way of life.
Oops, the board isn't letting me post the link, Will try this
selfdefinition [dot] org/celibacy/quotes/
Be well.