“I’ll promise to go easier on drinking and to get to bed earlier, but not for you, fifty thousand dollars, or two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars will I give up women. They’re too much fun.”
- February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948
- American
- Professional Baseball Player, Hall of Famer, Sports Icon
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Quote
“I’ll promise to go easier on drinking and to get to bed earlier, but not for you, fifty thousand dollars, or two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars will I give up women. They’re too much fun.”
Explanation
This quote reveals Babe Ruth’s unapologetic embrace of his personal vices and pleasures, particularly his notorious fondness for women. He makes a half-hearted concession about reducing drinking and improving sleep but draws a firm, humorous line when it comes to women—highlighting his irreverent, pleasure-seeking personality. The mention of large sums of money suggests that not even material incentives could persuade him to give up what he found most enjoyable.
In the context of his era, Ruth was a larger-than-life figure during the Roaring Twenties, a period marked by extravagance, rebellion against Victorian norms, and a celebration of celebrity culture. He represented a new kind of American icon: not a moral exemplar, but a flawed, charismatic star who lived life loudly and publicly. His attitude clashed with traditional values, but it also made him relatable and fascinating to fans.
Modern readers might see this quote as a reflection of the complex relationship between fame, personal freedom, and responsibility. While such candor might be criticized today for its gender dynamics or lack of discretion, it also raises questions about authenticity versus image. Ruth wasn’t trying to be a role model in a moral sense—he was authentically himself, and in doing so, captured the public’s imagination in a way few athletes ever have.
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