"The wish to hurt, the momentary intoxication with pain, is the loophole through which the pervert climbs into the minds of ordinary men"

This quote by Jacob Bronowski talks to the concept that even regular individuals can be prone to perverse ideas and actions. He suggests that the desire to inflict pain, even if it is only short-lived, can be a gateway for perverse habits to go into the minds of regular people. This is a warning that even those who consider themselves to be of excellent ethical character can be susceptible to perverse thoughts and actions. Bronowski is recommending that we should be aware of our own thoughts and sensations, and bear in mind the potential for perverse habits to enter our minds. He is also suggesting that we need to be aware of the potential for others to be affected by perverse ideas and actions, and bear in mind how we communicate with them. Ultimately, Bronowski is alerting us to be familiar with our own ideas and feelings, and to be mindful of the capacity for perverse behavior to enter our minds and the minds of those around us.