"One may no more live in the world without picking up the moral prejudices of the world than one will be able to go to hell without perspiring"

This quote by H. L. Mencken is a warning about the power of social norms and expectations. He is saying that it is difficult to reside in the world without being affected by the moral prejudices of the world. He is recommending that these prejudices are inescapable and that they will inevitably form our beliefs and values. He is also implying that these bias can be difficult to escape, much like it is impossible to go to hell without perspiring. This quote works as a reminder that we ought to understand the power of social norms and expectations and make every effort to think for ourselves and form our own opinions. We need to bear in mind the prejudices that exist in the world and strive to challenge them when required.