And here we come to the vital distinction between the…
“And here we come to the vital distinction between the advocacy of temperance and the advocacy of prohibition. Temperance and self-control are convertible terms. Prohibition, or that which it implies, is the direct negation of the term self-control. In order to save the small percentage of men who are too weak to resist their animal desires, it aims to put chains on every man, the weak and the strong alike. And if this is proper in one respect, why not in all respects? Yet, what would one think of a proposition to keep all men locked up because a certain number have a propensity to steal?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Distinguishing personal self-control from societal prohibition; the latter restricts all.
In simple terms: Prohibition imposes universal limits, unlike personal restraint.
Key Takeaway
Beware of overreaching regulations.
Themes
freedom
control
law
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legislation drafting
- public policy debates
- personal habit formation
Key Concepts
autonomy
collective safety
ethical limits
Questions to Reflect On
- What freedoms are essential to protect?
- When is prohibition justified?
A Different Perspective
May ignore necessity of some prohibitions for safety.