Stephen Leacock: Arrest Intelligence
on Saturday, February 15, 2020Stephen Leacock Money Quote saying advertising is intended to keep us from thinking just long enough to get us to pay for things we don’t need. Stephen Leacock said:
“Advertising may be described as the science of arresting human intelligence long enough to get money out of it” — Stephen Leacock
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In this quote, Stephen Leacock seems to be satirically describing the goal of advertising. By stating that advertising can be viewed as “the science of arresting human intelligence long enough to get money out of it”, Leacock implies that advertising aims to captivate people’s attention temporarily in order to encourage purchases or brand loyalty that result in financial gain.
The quote conveys Leacock’s perspective that advertising seeks to seize mental focus through compelling messages and images just long enough for consumers to part with their funds before skepticism or disinterest set in.
Overall, Leacock’s use of “arresting” suggests he saw advertising’s objective, perhaps tongue-in-cheekly, as a kind of mental hijacking for commercial ends rather than informing free choice. The tone suggests Leacock held a wry, critical view of advertising’s psychological techniques and motivations.