When I was in my 20s it did occur to me that there was something perverted about an attitude that thought that killing somebody was a minor offence compared to kissing somebody.

The quote "When I was in my 20s it did occur to me that there was something perverted about an attitude that thought that killing somebody was a minor offence compared to kissing somebody." is attributed to John McGahern, an Irish novelist and playwright known for his profound reflections on society, morality, and human relationships. This statement critiques societal attitudes that prioritize regulating intimate personal behaviors like kissing over addressing far more serious acts such as killing. McGahern finds it troubling and "perverted" that such a moral imbalance can exist.

The meaning of the quote challenges the disproportionate judgments society often places on different actions. McGahern is highlighting the absurdity of cultural or legal systems that harshly punish consensual expressions of love or sexuality while being comparatively lenient or indifferent toward violence and murder. His words provoke reflection on the values and priorities ingrained in society and question whether they truly align with justice and human dignity.

The origin of this quote comes from McGahern’s personal observations and critiques formed during his younger years, especially growing up in Ireland where conservative social mores heavily influenced attitudes toward sexuality and morality. His work often confronts such themes, advocating for a more compassionate and balanced understanding of human behavior and ethics.

In summary, John McGahern’s quote exposes the contradictions in societal attitudes toward morality, emphasizing the need to rethink how we judge acts of violence versus personal freedoms. It encourages questioning established norms that may unjustly stigmatize love and intimacy while overlooking greater offenses.