“The more things are forbidden, the more popular they become.”
- November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910
- American
- Author, humorist, and lecturer
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and had a major influence on American literature
Quote
“The more things are forbidden, the more popular they become.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote humorously critiques the counterproductive nature of prohibition and forbidden behavior. He suggests that the more society or authority tries to restrict or ban something, the more appealing it becomes to people. The idea is that forbidden fruit often carries a special allure simply because it is prohibited, and the act of rebellion or defiance makes it even more desirable. The humor lies in the irony that restrictions intended to curb behavior or control can often have the opposite effect, increasing curiosity and temptation instead.
Twain’s remark speaks to a universal truth about human nature—the desire for what is off-limits is often intensified by the very fact that it is forbidden. This tendency is seen throughout history in instances where taboos, laws, or cultural norms only serve to spark interest in the very things they seek to suppress.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with how bans or restrictions in society, whether on vices like drugs, alcohol, or censorship, often increase their appeal or underground popularity. Whether in politics, social norms, or even parenting, Twain’s words remind us that control through forbidding something can lead to unintended consequences, encouraging us to consider the impact of prohibition and the complexity of desire.
