Britain Quote by J. G. Ballard
“Everywhere you look - Britain, the States, western Europe - people are sealing themselves into crime-free enclaves. That's a mistake - a certain level of crime is part of the necessary roughage of life. Total security is a disease of deprivation.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Drowned World, 1962
Societies that try to eliminate all crime create oppressive environments; some disorder is essential for healthy social dynamics.
In simple terms: Total security harms freedom and growth.
Allow a degree of risk and imperfection.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- community policing
- personal boundaries
- public policy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What level of risk is acceptable in your community?
- How does crime shape social cohesion?
Complete safety can lead to stagnation and loss of resilience.