If you say, "Would there were no wine" because of the…
“If you say, "Would there were no wine" because of the drunkards, then you must say, going on by degrees, "Would there were no steel," because of the murderers, "Would there were no night," because of the thieves, "Would there were no light," because of the informers, and "Would there were no women," because of adultery.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He argues that eliminating any vice still leads to other evils, showing the complexity of moral causation.
In simple terms: Removing one bad thing creates new problems.
Key Takeaway
Consider the broader impact before condemning a single vice.
Themes
morality
consequences
complexity
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- law enforcement
- family dynamics
- social policy
Key Concepts
cause and effect
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden consequences arise when we ban a harmful behavior?
- Can we ever eliminate all sources of evil?
A Different Perspective
Moral judgments often oversimplify interconnected issues.