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About this quote

What does it mean?
People drink primarily to alter their mental state, not for physical effects, even if the body suffers as a result. The desired outcome is psychological intoxication.
In plain terms
Drinking is about changing how you think, not how you feel physically.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the real motive behind alcohol consumption.

Where it applies

  • social drinking
  • personal reflection
  • health discussions

Putting it to work

  • awareness of habits
  • moderation

Questions to consider

  • Why do you reach for a drink?
  • What effect are you really seeking?

Another view

Physical effects can also be a primary reason for some drinkers.

More from Jack London

  1. I was five years old the first time I got drunk.

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  2. The fortunate man is the one who cannot take more than a couple of drinks without becoming intoxicated. The unfortunate wight is the one who can take many glas…

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  3. There are, broadly speaking, two types of drinkers. There is the man whom we all know, stupid, unimaginative, whose brain is bitten numbly by numb maggots; who…

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