Skip to content
quotesby

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

  • religious discussion
  • relationship advice
  • comedy

Putting it to work

  • examine personal values
  • avoid rationalizing infidelity

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

  1. 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
  2. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house unless they have a well-stocked bar

    Permalink to quote #63
  3. 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

Related quotes

  1. As long as sexual relations are complicated by religious, social and financial considerations, so long will they cause all kinds of cowardly, dishonourable and…

    Aleister CrowleyAleister Crowley quote #60
  2. I think that Jesus would be disappointed in our ignoring the plight of those around us who are suffering and our focus on our own selfish short-term needs. I t…

    John EdwardsJohn Edwards quote #1
  3. Mr. Smith Goes To Hollywood : Jay is a creature of the Id, who has no filter as to what to say; he just says what's on his mind. So what's funny about the char…

    Kevin SmithKevin Smith quote #2