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Appeals Quote by Bertrand Russell

“Nine-tenths of the appeal of pornography is due to the indecent feelings concerning sex which moralists inculcate in the young; the other tenth is physiological, and will occur in one way or another whatever the state of the law may be.” quote by Bertrand Russell
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“Nine-tenths of the appeal of pornography is due to the indecent feelings concerning sex which moralists inculcate in the young; the other tenth is physiological, and will occur in one way or another whatever the state of the law may be.”

Bertrand Russell

About This Quote

The quote argues that most sexual attraction to porn stems from socially imposed shame, with only a small physiological component that persists regardless of legal constraints.

In simple terms: Moral conditioning fuels porn appeal more than biology.

Key Takeaway

Cultural taboos amplify desire for forbidden content.

Themes

sexuality morality social conditioning law psychology culture

Mood

critical reflective analytical

Type

philosophical sociopolitical observational

When to use this quote

  • adolescents learning sexual norms
  • policy debates on porn regulation
  • counseling sessions about sexual health
  • media literacy education
  • religious community discussions

Key Concepts

shame desire regulation physiology

Practical Applications

  • designing sex education curricula
  • informing legislative approaches to adult content

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does moral stigma shape personal sexual preferences?
  • What role should law play when desire is partly biologically driven?
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