Alcohol Quote by Cornell Woolrich
““I think fear neutralizes alcohol, weakens its anesthetic power. It's good for small fears; your boss, your wife, your bills, your dentist; all right then to take a drink. But for big ones it doesn't do any good. Like water on blazing gasoline, it will only quicken and compound it. It takes sand, in the literal and the slang sense, to smother the bonfire that is fear. And if you're out of sand, then you must burn up. ("New York Blues")””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: New York Blues, 1935
Small fears can be soothed by alcohol, but it fuels larger anxieties, requiring other coping strategies.
In simple terms: Alcohol helps with minor worries but worsens big ones.
Key Takeaway
Seek healthier ways to manage major fears.
Themes
fear
coping
addiction
psychology
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
cautionary
literary
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- stressful work environments
- health discussions
Key Concepts
alcohol
anxiety
self‑medication
risk
Questions to Reflect On
- What non‑chemical methods can replace drinking for stress?
- When does a small fear become a big problem?
A Different Perspective
Relying on alcohol may lead to dependency.
![“[As in the case of] alcohol prohibition, illegality has driven organized crime, sent countless people to jail, and killed many thousands. Repression does not work.” quote by Sam Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/212/sam-branson-36458_alcohol_as-in-the-case-of-alcohol-prohibition-il_8703.jpg)
