Meaning: This quote by Brendan Behan, an Irish playwright, captures a provocative and somewhat cynical perspective on the nature of sexual relationships. Behan was known for his sharp wit and often controversial views, and this quote is no exception. At first glance, the quote may seem humorous or flippant, but upon closer examination, it reveals deeper insights into human behavior, societal attitudes towards sex, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.

The quote juxtaposes two seemingly contrasting concepts: sex for money and sex for free. Behan suggests that there is a fundamental difference between the two, and that the cost of sex for money is actually lower than the cost of sex for free. This assertion challenges traditional assumptions about the value and exchange of sex, prompting the reader to consider the underlying motivations and dynamics at play in both scenarios.

One interpretation of the quote is that Behan is highlighting the hidden costs and complications of free sexual relationships. While sex for money may involve a direct financial transaction, sex for free can come with emotional, psychological, and social costs that are not immediately apparent. Behan's observation invites us to consider the power dynamics, expectations, and consequences that can arise in relationships where sex is exchanged freely, without the explicit exchange of money.

Moreover, the quote can be seen as a commentary on the commodification of sex and the ways in which society assigns value to sexual experiences. Behan's assertion that sex for money usually costs less challenges the moral judgments and stigmas attached to the exchange of sex for financial gain. It prompts us to question the arbitrary distinctions between "legitimate" forms of intimacy and those that are deemed taboo or unacceptable by societal standards.

From a broader perspective, the quote can also be interpreted as a critique of the complexities and contradictions inherent in human relationships. Behan may be suggesting that the pursuit of sex, whether for financial gain or personal gratification, often involves hidden costs, sacrifices, and compromises. By framing the comparison between sex for money and sex for free in this way, Behan encourages us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of human desire, intimacy, and the pursuit of pleasure.

In conclusion, Brendan Behan's quote offers a thought-provoking commentary on the dynamics of sexual relationships and the societal attitudes towards sex and intimacy. It challenges conventional wisdom and prompts us to reconsider our assumptions about the costs and complexities of sexual interactions. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Behan's perspective, the quote serves as a reminder of the nuanced and often contradictory nature of human behavior and relationships.