Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.

Summary

This quote, often attributed to H.L. Mencken, implies that even the most ordinary individuals can feel compelled to abandon societal norms and embrace more aggressive and rebellious actions. "Spitting on his hands" symbolizes a desire to take direct action, while "hoisting the black flag" signifies the embrace of anarchy and lawlessness. The phrase "slitting throats" further emphasizes a willingness to engage in extreme violence. It suggests that there are moments when one may feel driven towards extreme measures when faced with frustration, oppression, or injustice.