---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Of course, Behaviourism 'works'. So does…"
description: "\"Of course, Behaviourism 'works'. So does torture. Give me a no-nonsense, down-to-earth behaviourist, a few drugs, and simple electrical appliances, and..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/750/w-h-auden-856_appliances_of-course-behaviourism-works-so-does-tor_2425035.png"
---

#  Of course, Behaviourism 'works'. So does torture. Give me…

![“Of course, Behaviourism 'works'. So does torture. Give me a no-nonsense, down-to-earth behaviourist, a few drugs, and simple electrical appliances, and in six months I will have him reciting the Athanasian Creed in public.” quote by W. H. Auden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/750/w-h-auden-856_appliances_of-course-behaviourism-works-so-does-tor_2425035.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/750/w-h-auden-856_appliances_of-course-behaviourism-works-so-does-tor_2425035.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/750/w-h-auden-856_appliances_of-course-behaviourism-works-so-does-tor_2425035.png)

> “Of course, Behaviourism 'works'. So does torture. Give me a no-nonsense, down-to-earth behaviourist, a few drugs, and simple electrical appliances, and in six months I will have him reciting the Athanasian Creed in public.”

[W. H. Auden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/w-h-auden/)

## About This Quote

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

Behaviourism can be manipulated like any tool, even for harmful ends.

**In simple terms:** Behaviourism is a method, not moral.

Key Takeaway

Question the ethics of techniques.

Themes

ethics control psychology

Mood

skeptical thoughtful

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

- clinical practice
- political propaganda
- education
- law enforcement

Key Concepts

behavioral manipulation morality

Questions to Reflect On

- Is it acceptable to use any method for desired outcomes?
- Where should limits be drawn?

A Different Perspective

Effectiveness does not guarantee moral rightness.

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