---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Drunkeness is temporary suicide: the…"
description: "\"Drunkeness is temporary suicide: the happiness that it brings is merely negative, a momentary cessation of unhappiness.\" — Bertrand Russell"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee0/bertrand-russell-69_alcohol_drunkeness-is-temporary-suicide-the-happ_72775.jpg"
---

#  Drunkeness is temporary suicide: the happiness that it…

![“Drunkeness is temporary suicide: the happiness that it brings is merely negative, a momentary cessation of unhappiness.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee0/bertrand-russell-69_alcohol_drunkeness-is-temporary-suicide-the-happ_72775.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee0/bertrand-russell-69_alcohol_drunkeness-is-temporary-suicide-the-happ_72775.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee0/bertrand-russell-69_alcohol_drunkeness-is-temporary-suicide-the-happ_72775.jpg)

> “Drunkeness is temporary suicide: the happiness that it brings is merely negative, a momentary cessation of unhappiness.”

[Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/)

## About This Quote

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

The quote warns that intoxication offers only a fleeting escape from suffering, equating its temporary relief to a self‑destructive act that ultimately adds to one's misery.

**In simple terms:** Intoxication provides a short‑lived, harmful illusion of happiness.

Key Takeaway

Temporary relief can be self‑destructive.

Themes

self‑destruction illusion temporary relief mental health addiction

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

philosophical moral

When to use this quote

- after a personal setback
- during a social drinking event
- when coping with chronic stress

Key Concepts

psychological coping negative reinforcement

Practical Applications

- promoting sober coping strategies

Questions to Reflect On

- What healthier alternatives can replace the urge to numb pain?
- How does short‑term pleasure affect long‑term wellbeing?

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[Alcohol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/alcohol/) [Drunkenness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/drunkenness/) [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Sadness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sadness/) [Suicide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suicide/) [Unhappiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unhappiness/)

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