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Admittedly, a homosexual can be conditioned to react…

“Admittedly, a homosexual can be conditioned to react sexually to a woman, or to an old boot for that matter. In fact, both homo - and heterosexual experimental subjects have been conditioned to react sexually to an old boot, and you can save a lot of money that way.” quote by William S. Burroughs
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“Admittedly, a homosexual can be conditioned to react sexually to a woman, or to an old boot for that matter. In fact, both homo - and heterosexual experimental subjects have been conditioned to react sexually to an old boot, and you can save a lot of money that way.”

William S. Burroughs

About This Quote

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

Sexual responses can be conditioned to non‑human objects through repeated exposure, showing the plasticity of desire.

In simple terms: Desire can be trained to any stimulus.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how conditioning shapes preferences.

Themes

psychology sexuality conditioning

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • research labs
  • therapy
  • advertising
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

behaviorism neuroscience social influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the moral limits of conditioning desire?
  • Can consent be truly informed in such experiments?
A Different Perspective

Ethical concerns arise when manipulating sexual behavior.

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