"See, the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time"
About this Quote
The intent is less to shame men than to puncture male self-mythology. We like to imagine rational, choice-driven behavior; he suggests a simpler, funnier model: biology as a saboteur with excellent timing. The subtext is that a lot of "mysterious" male decision-making - the impulsive risk, the reckless flirtation, the spectacularly stupid text at 2 a.m. - can be explained by a body that prioritizes desire over deliberation. It's a pressure-release valve: laughing at it is safer than admitting how often it’s true.
Context matters: Williams came up in an era when mainstream comedy could be openly bawdy while still aiming for mass appeal. The joke plays as a blunt equalizer, bringing lofty talk of morality and self-control down to the physical. It also signals his broader comedic persona - frantic intelligence colliding with raw impulse - making the gag feel like autobiography in disguise.
Quote Details
| Topic | Witty One-Liners |
|---|---|
| Source | Later attribution: Principles of Philosophy (Michael Jean Nystrom-Schut, 2018) modern compilationISBN: 9781546264958 · ID: P4h5DwAAQBAJ
Evidence: ... Robin Williams , phrased an aspect of the dilemma succinctly when he said : See , the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis , and only enough blood to run one at a time . I am sure there is a female equivalent to this ... Other candidates (1) Robin Williams (Robin Williams) compilation65.2% tically and thats when you realize that god gave you a penis and a brain and only enough blood to run one at a time i... |
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Citation Formats
APA Style (7th ed.)
Williams, Robin. (2026, January 13). See, the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time. FixQuotes. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/see-the-problem-is-that-god-gives-men-a-brain-and-1574/
Chicago Style
Williams, Robin. "See, the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time." FixQuotes. January 13, 2026. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/see-the-problem-is-that-god-gives-men-a-brain-and-1574/.
MLA Style (9th ed.)
"See, the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time." FixQuotes, 13 Jan. 2026, https://fixquotes.com/quotes/see-the-problem-is-that-god-gives-men-a-brain-and-1574/. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.









