Skip to content

Of course the reason that the Authorities have banned the…

“Of course the reason that the Authorities have banned the stuff is not so much the detrimental effect on one's health, however genuine that might be, but rather that those who regularly partake in the illicit herb tend to lose all interest in playing the game by other people's rules. And that is…” quote by H.M. Forester
Download Open image
““Of course the reason that the Authorities have banned the stuff is not so much the detrimental effect on one's health, however genuine that might be, but rather that those who regularly partake in the illicit herb tend to lose all interest in playing the game by other people's rules. And that is in direct contravention of the Commandments, the first of which is: Thou shalt play the Game by the rules; the second being: Thou shalt not drop out of the Game.””

H.M. Forester

About This Quote

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

The quote warns that banning a harmful substance may be less about health and more about preserving obedience to societal rules.

In simple terms: Authorities ban to keep people following rules.

Key Takeaway

Beware of hidden motives behind bans.

Themes

control obedience authority games rules

Mood

skeptical critical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political activism
  • public health policy
  • community governance
  • personal freedom

Key Concepts

social engineering psychology power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Are bans always about control?
  • How do rules shape behavior?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook genuine health concerns.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by H.M. Forester

Explore all 36 H.M. Forester quotes

More Commandments quotes

Browse all 726 Commandments quotes