Alcoholics Quote by Martin E.P. Seligman
““Alcoholics are, in truth, failures, and their failure is a simple failure of will. They have made bad choices, and they continue to do so every day. By calling them victims of a disease, we magically shift the burden of the problem from choice and personal control, where it belongs, to an impersonal force—disease.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman, 2002
The quote argues that labeling alcoholism as a disease removes personal responsibility, framing it as a lack of willpower and choice.
In simple terms: Calling alcoholism a disease shifts blame away from personal choice.
Key Takeaway
Consider personal agency in addiction recovery.
Themes
responsibility
addiction
psychology
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
psychological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- counseling
- policy making
- self‑help programs
Key Concepts
free will
disease model
behavioral health
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance personal responsibility with medical understanding?
- What role does stigma play in treatment?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasizing personal blame can ignore biological factors.
