---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: but only a moment’s reflection is…"
description: "\"“but only a moment’s reflection is necessary to realize that, where there is a choice of incarceration and so-called community sentencing, a reduction ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b5c/theodore-dalrymple-7084_time_but-only-a-moment-s-reflection-is-necess_2133323.jpg"
---

#  but only a moment’s reflection is necessary to realize…

![“but only a moment’s reflection is necessary to realize that, where there is a choice of incarceration and so-called community sentencing, a reduction in the rate of recidivism is perfectly compatible with a rise, even a huge rise, in the numbers of crimes committed; and vice versa, with a rise in…” quote by Theodore Dalrymple](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b5c/theodore-dalrymple-7084_time_but-only-a-moment-s-reflection-is-necess_2133323.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b5c/theodore-dalrymple-7084_time_but-only-a-moment-s-reflection-is-necess_2133323.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b5c/theodore-dalrymple-7084_time_but-only-a-moment-s-reflection-is-necess_2133323.jpg)

> ““but only a moment’s reflection is necessary to realize that, where there is a choice of incarceration and so-called community sentencing, a reduction in the rate of recidivism is perfectly compatible with a rise, even a huge rise, in the numbers of crimes committed; and vice versa, with a rise in the rate of recidivism coincident with a fall, even a dramatic fall, in the rate of crime.””

[Theodore Dalrymple](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-dalrymple/)

## About This Quote

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

Punishment choices affect crime rates and recidivism in complex ways.

**In simple terms:** Sentencing impacts crime and reoffending.

Key Takeaway

Consider broader effects of punishment.

Themes

justice crime policy

Mood

analytical critical thoughtful

Type

policy philosophical

When to use this quote

- legislative debate
- court sentencing
- community programs
- prison reform

Key Concepts

recidivism deterrence sentencing reform

Questions to Reflect On

- What policies reduce both crime and recidivism?
- How to balance public safety and rehabilitation?

A Different Perspective

Data may oversimplify causality between crime and punishment.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Community Sentencing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/community-sentencing-4406897/) [Rate Recidivism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rate-recidivism-4406895/) [Recidivism Coincident](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/recidivism-coincident-4406893/) [Recidivism Perfectly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/recidivism-perfectly-4406894/) [Sentencing Reduction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sentencing-reduction-4406896/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Vice versa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vice-versa/)

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