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People don't like to talk about alcohol. They don't like…

“People don't like to talk about alcohol. They don't like to think about it, except in the most superficial of ways. They don't like to examine the damage it does and I don't blame them. I don't like it either. I know that desire for denial with every bone in my body: clavicle, sternum, femur and…” quote by Olivia Laing
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““People don't like to talk about alcohol. They don't like to think about it, except in the most superficial of ways. They don't like to examine the damage it does and I don't blame them. I don't like it either. I know that desire for denial with every bone in my body: clavicle, sternum, femur and phalanx.””

Olivia Laing

About This Quote

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

People avoid discussing alcohol’s damage, preferring denial, even though the author shares this tendency.

In simple terms: People deny alcohol’s harm.

Key Takeaway

Confront denial and discuss openly.

Themes

addiction denial social taboo

Mood

somber critical

Type

analytical reflective

When to use this quote

  • essay
  • op‑ piece

Key Concepts

health discourse personal reflection public conversation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why is alcohol discussion avoided?
  • How can honest dialogue improve awareness?
A Different Perspective

Denial hinders healing.

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