What pornographic literature does is precisely to drive a wedge between one's existence as a full human being and one's existence as a sexual being -- while in ordinary life a healthy person is one who prevents such a gap from opening up. Normally we don't experience, at least don't want to experience, our sexual fulfillment as distinct from or opposed to our personal fulfillment. But perhaps in part they are distinct, whether we like it or not.

Summary

This quote suggests that pornography separates an individual's sexual identity from their overall sense of self, whereas in healthy relationships and experiences, the two aspects are intertwined. In everyday life, people generally desire their sexual fulfillment to align with their personal fulfillment. However, the quote suggests that there might be an inherent distinction between the two, even if we may not prefer or acknowledge it. It raises the idea that pornography creates a divide between our complete human existence and our sexual nature, which contrasts with the seamless integration of these aspects in ordinary life.

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