Five years of Prohibition have had, at least, this one…
“Five years of Prohibition have had, at least, this one benign effect: they have completely disposed of all the favorite arguments of the Prohibitionists. None of the great boons and usufructs that were to follow the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment has come to pass. There is not less drunkenness in the Republic, but more. There is not less crime, but more. There is not less insanity, but more. The cost of government is not smaller, but vastly greater. Respect for law has not increased, but diminished.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Mencken argues that Prohibition failed to reduce alcohol‑related problems and instead worsened crime, insanity, and government cost while eroding respect for law.
In simple terms: Prohibition backfired, increasing social and government waste.
Key Takeaway
Recognize unintended consequences of moral legislation.
Themes
politics
social policy
law
government
morality
Mood
skeptical
critical
analytical
Type
advisory
historical
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- public health campaigns
- law enforcement budgeting
- civic education
- activism
Key Concepts
public policy
unintended consequences
social cost
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies today might have hidden negative effects?
- How can we better evaluate moral legislation before enactment?
A Different Perspective
The claim that Prohibition reduced problems is contradicted by evidence of increased crime and cost.