"Drinking makes such fools of people, and people are such fools to begin with that it's compounding a felony"
About this Quote
This quote by Robert Benchley brings a tone of both humor and criticism relating to human habits, particularly in the context of alcohol usage. In its essence, the quote recommends a cyclical relationship between foolishness and drinking: people are naturally prone to absurd behavior, and alcohol just amplifies these propensities.
To start with, the quote acknowledges an essential aspect of human nature-- our predisposition to make mistakes or act irrationally. Benchley humorously suggests that foolishness is a fundamental part of being human. This intrinsic foolishness is something universal, recommending that everyone, in their way, is susceptible to lapses in judgment or ridiculous decisions.
The second part of the quote resolves the result of alcohol as a magnifying force on this inherent absurdity. When individuals drink, their inhibitions are reduced, and their judgment is frequently impaired, resulting in an increased probability of acting foolishly. The expression "intensifying a felony" humorously compares the act of drinking to devoting a criminal activity, indicating not just an addition but an escalation of folly. In legal terms, "intensifying a felony" implies to worsen a criminal offense, suggesting that drinking doesn't just add to the foolishness but elevates it to another level.
Benchley's use of legal metaphor includes comical weight by recommending that the mixture of alcohol and human recklessness is almost lawfully culpable. It's an exaggeration planned to draw a laugh while likewise provoking some much deeper reflection about the socially accepted standards surrounding drinking and its impacts on habits.
Overall, Benchley's quote serves as both a funny review and a cautionary observation. It welcomes readers to reflect on their habits, acknowledge their intrinsic defects, and think about the effects of alcohol. Through wit and wisdom, Benchley underscores the value of self-awareness and moderation.
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