Skip to content

I used often to go to America during Prohibition, and…

“I used often to go to America during Prohibition, and there was far more drunkenness there then than before; the prohibition of pornography has much the same effect.” quote by Bertrand Russell
Download Open image
“I used often to go to America during Prohibition, and there was far more drunkenness there then than before; the prohibition of pornography has much the same effect.”

Bertrand Russell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Banning one vice often fuels greater excess; prohibition can amplify the behavior it seeks to curb.

In simple terms: Prohibition can increase the behavior it bans.

Key Takeaway

Consider alternatives to outright bans.

Themes

freedom regulation human behavior policy

Mood

critical analytical philosophical

Type

essay political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • alcohol regulation
  • internet censorship
  • public health policy

Key Concepts

ethics social dynamics law enforcement

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are effective ways to reduce harmful behavior?
  • Can education replace prohibition?
A Different Perspective

Prohibition may reduce some harms despite increased demand.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Bertrand Russell

Explore all 1,620 Bertrand Russell quotes

More America quotes

Browse all 20,382 America quotes