The business of the state trying to legislate modesty is…
“The business of the state trying to legislate modesty is relatively both an infantile and ridiculous procedure. Of course, it is true that the more things are secreted the more intriguing they become, because it is always the forbidden that has the strongest appeal. Nudity is a state of fact - lewdity a state of mind.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The state’s attempt to regulate modesty is childish and absurd; secrecy makes things more alluring, and nudity is factual while lewdness is mental.
In simple terms: Regulating modesty is foolish; secrecy draws interest; nudity is natural, lewdness is mindset.
Key Takeaway
Question the need for moral legislation.
Themes
morality
politics
culture
secrecy
human nature
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- media commentary
- public policy
- cultural criticism
Key Concepts
social control
psychology
freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- Is modesty a personal choice or a societal imposition?
- How does secrecy affect desire?
A Different Perspective
Such regulation may ignore deeper societal values.