As by the fires of experience, so by commission of crime…
“As by the fires of experience, so by commission of crime you learn real morals. Commit all crimes, familiarize yourself with all sins, take them in rotation (there are only two or three thousand of them), stick to it, commit two or three every day, and by and by you will be proof against them. When you are through you will be proof against all sins and morally perfect. You will be vaccinated against every possible commission of them. This is the only way.”
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 suggests that deliberately committing crimes builds immunity to moral failings, implying a perverse form of moral training through repeated sin.
In simple terms: Doing crimes supposedly makes you morally immune.
Key Takeaway
Avoid immoral actions; true moral strength comes from virtue.
Themes
ethics
morality
self‑control
Mood
cynical
critical
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- legal systems
- personal development
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
psychology
behavioral conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it possible to become morally perfect by committing sins?
- Can exposure to wrongdoing ever lead to genuine virtue?
A Different Perspective
Moral immunity through wrongdoing is unrealistic and harmful.