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Appropriate Quote by Anthony Burgess

“... A CLOCKWORK ORANGE- and I said: 'That's a fair gloopy title. Who ever heard of a clockwork orange?' Then I read a malenky bit out loud in a sort of very high type preaching goloss: '- The attempt to impose upon a man, a creature of growth and capable of sweetness, to ooze juicily at the last…” quote by Anthony Burgess
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“... A CLOCKWORK ORANGE- and I said: 'That's a fair gloopy title. Who ever heard of a clockwork orange?' Then I read a malenky bit out loud in a sort of very high type preaching goloss: '- The attempt to impose upon a man, a creature of growth and capable of sweetness, to ooze juicily at the last round the bearded lips of God, to attempt to impose, I say, laws and conditions appropriate to a mechanical creation, against this I raise my swordpen-”

Anthony Burgess

About This Quote

The passage critiques imposing rigid, mechanical rules on human beings, arguing that such constraints strip away natural growth and moral agency.

In simple terms: Mechanistic laws suppress humanity.

Key Takeaway

Freedom resists dehumanizing systems.

Themes

authority human nature law individuality

Mood

critical skeptical

Type

literary critique

When to use this quote

  • educational discipline
  • corporate policy enforcement
  • legalistic bureaucracy

Key Concepts

existential freedom vs. determinism

Practical Applications

  • promote flexible, context‑aware guidelines
  • encourage personal responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What balance between order and freedom is optimal?
  • How can institutions honor individuality while maintaining coherence?
A Different Perspective

Some structure is necessary for societal stability; total freedom can lead to chaos.

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