Thou shalt not commit adultery ... unless in the mood.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He twists the commandment against adultery, adding a conditional exception, mocking moral rigidity.
- In plain terms
- He jokes that adultery is okay if you’re in the mood.
- What can you take from it?
- Moral rules are often bent when desire is strong.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does humor influence moral standards?
- When is it acceptable to mock commandments?
Another view
The joke trivializes serious ethical concerns.
More from W. C. Fields
There's not a man in America who at one time or another hasn't had a secret desire to boot a child in the ass.
Permalink to quote #61 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house unless they have a well-stocked bar
Permalink to quote #63 There comes a time in the affairs of man when he has to take the bull by the tail and face the situation.
Permalink to quote #60
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