---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is impossible to abolish either with a…"
description: "\"It is impossible to abolish either with a law or an ax the desires of men\" — Walter Lippmann"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb9/walter-lippmann-1083_desire_it-is-impossible-to-abolish-either-with_930455.jpg"
---

#  It is impossible to abolish either with a law or an ax the…

![“It is impossible to abolish either with a law or an ax the desires of men” quote by Walter Lippmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb9/walter-lippmann-1083_desire_it-is-impossible-to-abolish-either-with_930455.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb9/walter-lippmann-1083_desire_it-is-impossible-to-abolish-either-with_930455.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb9/walter-lippmann-1083_desire_it-is-impossible-to-abolish-either-with_930455.jpg)

> “It is impossible to abolish either with a law or an ax the desires of men”

[Walter Lippmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walter-lippmann/)

## About This Quote

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

Desires are so strong that neither law nor force can easily suppress them; they persist despite external control.

**In simple terms:** Desires resist legal or violent suppression.

Key Takeaway

Address underlying desires, not just symptoms.

Themes

freedom desire law vs. will

Mood

analytical critical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

- policy making
- education
- public health campaigns
- media regulation

Key Concepts

political theory psychology social control

Questions to Reflect On

- What strategies effectively channel strong desires positively?
- When is regulation appropriate versus education?

A Different Perspective

Overly punitive measures may backfire.

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