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African Quote by Marcus Garvey

“Prohibition is to abstain from intoxicating liquor, as it makes us morbid and sometimes drunk. But we get drunk every day, nevertheless, not so much by the strength of what we sip from the cup, but that which we eat, the water we drink, and the air we inhale, which at fermentation conspire at…” quote by Marcus Garvey
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““Prohibition is to abstain from intoxicating liquor, as it makes us morbid and sometimes drunk. But we get drunk every day, nevertheless, not so much by the strength of what we sip from the cup, but that which we eat, the water we drink, and the air we inhale, which at fermentation conspire at eventide to make us so drunk and tired that we lose control of ourselves and fall asleep. Everybody is a drunkard, and if we were to enforce real prohibition we should all be dead.””

Marcus Garvey

About This Quote

Source Speech: Social critique on prohibition, 1930s

Prohibition is futile; everyday consumption of food, water, air intoxicates us, making true prohibition absurd.

In simple terms: Everyday intake makes prohibition pointless.

Key Takeaway

Question the practicality of strict bans.

Themes

prohibition social critique human nature

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy debate
  • education
  • activism

Key Concepts

political philosophy public health

Questions to Reflect On

  • What alternatives exist to prohibition?
  • How does everyday consumption affect health?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex issues.

2.6 out of 5 (7 ratings)

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