Their lifestyle was simplistic and extremely chauvinistic, and the Essene mistrust of women is revealed in the Book of Enoch. According to this text, those Essenes which deviated from the policy excluding women were committing blasphemy: "But you have changed your works, [and have not done according to his command, and transgressed against him; (and have spoken) haughty and harsh words, with your impure mouths, [against his majesty, for your heart is hard]. You will have no peace. [They (the leaders) and all . of them took for themselves] wives from all that they chose and [they began to cohabit with them and to defile themselves with them]; and to teach them sorcery and [spells and the cutting of roots; and to acquaint them with herbs.] Clearly, women were not welcome additions to the Essene family, which could perhaps explain its inevitable downfall. After all, without procreation, how can a religion be passed down from generation to generation? .

             Philo gave what many scholars believe is a first-hand account of the Essenes" daily life: "They do not offer animal sacrifice, judging it more fitting to render their minds truly holy. They flee the cities and live in villages where clean air and clean social life abound. They either work in the fields or in crafts that contribute to peace. They do not hoard silver and gold and do not acquire great land holdings; procuring for themselves only what is necessary for life. Thus they live without goods and without property, not by misfortune, but out of preference. They do not make armaments of any kind. They do not keep slaves and detest slavery. They avoid wholesale and retail commerce, believing that such activity excites one to cupidity. With respect to philosophy, they dismiss logic but have an extremely high regard for virtue. They honor the Sabbath with great respect over the other days of the week. They have an internal rule which all learn, together with rules on piety, holiness, justice and the knowledge of good and their minds truly holy.