The fascination of shooting as a sport depends almost wholly on whether you are at the right or wrong end of the gun.

In this quote, P. G. Wodehouse humorously comments on the subjectivity of sports and how the enjoyment of certain activities, particularly shooting, is largely dependent on one's perspective. The phrase "whether you are at the right or wrong end of the gun" suggests that the experience of shooting, and by extension, any competitive sport involving risk, changes drastically depending on whether you are the one controlling the action or on the receiving end. Wodehouse is highlighting how danger and control can shift the nature of a sport from thrilling to terrifying, depending on which role you occupy.

Wodehouse’s remark also points to the irony inherent in many sports, where the excitement and challenge often come with elements of risk or competition. In this case, the fascination of shooting, like many dangerous activities, relies on the perceived safety or power of being in a dominant position. For the person shooting, it may be exhilarating, but for the one targeted, it could be terrifying. Wodehouse’s typical wit turns a potentially serious subject into a playful observation about the nature of human experience and how perspective shapes enjoyment.

The origin of this quote comes from P. G. Wodehouse, a renowned British author known for his humorous novels and witty observations on life, society, and sports. Wodehouse’s writing, particularly in works like Jeeves and Wooster, often explored the absurdities of British upper-class life, and his humorous perspective on shooting as a sport exemplifies his ability to mix lighthearted comedy with insightful commentary. Through this quote, he draws attention to how personal experience shapes one's view of seemingly simple activities.