Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Alcohol is for personal enjoyment while water is a resource of conflict. This highlights the scarcity and value of basic resources.
In plain terms
Drinking is for fun, water is for fights.
What can you take from it?
Basic resources can become sources of conflict.

Where it applies

  • policy debate
  • conflict analysis
  • daily life

Putting it to work

  • value water rights
  • prevent resource wars

Questions to consider

  • What resources are contested in your area?
  • How do basic needs drive conflict?

Another view

It simplifies complex geopolitical issues into a punchline.

More from Mark Twain

  1. I'm sorry this letter is so long, but I did not have time to make it shorter.

    Permalink to quote #207
  2. A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.

    Permalink to quote #209
  3. Tomorrow is the yesterday of two days from now.

    Permalink to quote #206

Related quotes

  1. Headmaster: I have never understood this liking for war. It panders to instincts already catered for within the scope of any respectable domestic establishment.

    Alan BennettAlan Bennett quote #5
  2. All things that are Made for our general uses are at war,- Even we among ourselves.

    John FletcherJohn Fletcher quote #13
  3. No wild beasts are so dangerous to men as Christians are to one another.

    JulianJulian quote #13