"Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats"

This quote by H. L. Mencken suggests that all people have a primitive instinct to act out in violence as well as aggressiveness. Mencken indicates that also the most normal of people have minutes of extreme temper and also irritation, where they feel need to take drastic action. The expression "spit on his hands" indicates a readiness to take action, while "hoist the black flag" is an allegory for a declaration of war. The phrase "slitting throats" is a metaphor for extreme physical violence and also aggression.

Mencken's quote recommends that all individuals have an ability for violence and also aggression, which it is a regular component of humanity. He suggests that it is natural to feel need to take drastic action in moments of extreme anger as well as aggravation. Nonetheless, he additionally implies that it is essential to be knowledgeable about these advises and also to take steps to control them.