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Many young people adopt pleasures for which they have not…

“Many young people adopt pleasures for which they have not the least taste, only because they are called by that name… You mustallow that drunkenness, which is equally destructive to body and mind, is a fine pleasure. Gaming, that draws you into a thousand scraps, leaves you penniless, and gives…” quote by Lord Chesterfield
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“Many young people adopt pleasures for which they have not the least taste, only because they are called by that name… You mustallow that drunkenness, which is equally destructive to body and mind, is a fine pleasure. Gaming, that draws you into a thousand scraps, leaves you penniless, and gives you the air and manners of an outrageous madman, is another most exquisite pleasure, is it not? As to running after women, the consequences of that vice are only the loss of one's nose, the total destruction of health, and, not unfrequently, the being run through the body.”

Lord Chesterfield

About This Quote

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

Critiques indulgent pleasures—gaming, gambling, and promiscuity—as destructive yet alluring, warning of their harmful consequences.

In simple terms: Pleasures like gaming, gambling, and promiscuity are harmful yet tempting.

Key Takeaway

Beware seductive but damaging temptations.

Themes

vice pleasure self‑control

Mood

cautionary serious

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • gaming
  • gambling
  • sexual behavior
  • risk management

Key Concepts

morality psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives you to risky pleasures?
  • How can one find healthier alternatives?
A Different Perspective

Pleasures can provide social connection.

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