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About this quote

What does it mean?
Drinking itself is not the issue but drinking too much is.
In plain terms
The problem is excess not the act itself.
What can you take from it?
Moderation matters more than prohibition.

Where it applies

  • health advice
  • moral discussion
  • personal habits

Putting it to work

  • discussing habits
  • encouraging moderation

Questions to consider

  • Where is the line between use and abuse?
  • Is the act or excess to blame?

Another view

It may excuse the act even when it is harmful.

More from John Selden

  1. Humility is a virtue all preach, none practice; and yet everybody is content to hear.

    Permalink to quote #3
  2. Commonly we say a judgement falls upon a man for something in him we cannot abide.

    Permalink to quote #5
  3. Old friends are best. King James used to call for his old shoes; they were easiest for his feet.

    Permalink to quote #2

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