Say what you will about the ten commandments, you must always come back to the pleasant fact that there are only ten of them.

In this quote, H. L. Mencken humorously comments on the Ten Commandments, noting that while people may have various opinions about their moral and religious significance, there is one undeniable aspect to them: there are only ten. The humor here lies in the idea that, despite the commandments being a foundational part of religious law and moral code, their relatively small number is a pleasant fact. Mencken is making light of the fact that, in a world full of complex rules and regulations, having only ten commandments to follow seems simple and manageable by comparison.

The quote also serves as a critique of the often overcomplicated or overwhelming nature of moral systems or religious doctrines. By pointing out that the Ten Commandments are "only ten," Mencken is suggesting that they offer a level of simplicity and clarity in contrast to more complicated sets of rules. His wit lies in the fact that, no matter what one thinks about the commandments' contents, the fact that they are limited to such a small number is, in itself, a relief.

Mencken was known for his skepticism about religion, politics, and societal norms. This quote fits into his broader body of work, where he often used sarcasm and humor to address serious topics like religion, questioning both the seriousness with which people treat religious laws and the practicality of following them. By focusing on the number ten, Mencken makes a pointed yet humorous remark about the simplicity of a doctrine that could easily be more burdensome if it were more expansive.

Ultimately, Mencken's quote is both a lighthearted and thought-provoking commentary on the nature of religious or moral codes. While he acknowledges the importance of the Ten Commandments, he finds humor in their limited number, suggesting that simplicity can sometimes be a welcome trait when faced with complex ideas and obligations.