Meaning: This quote by Karl Kraus, an Austrian writer, playwright, and journalist, delves into the concept of scandal and its relationship with authority and control. Kraus was known for his sharp wit and critical perspective on society, and this quote reflects his skepticism towards the role of the police and the mechanisms of power in managing and controlling scandalous events.

In this quote, Kraus suggests that scandal does not truly begin until the police intervene to quell it. This statement carries layers of meaning that can be interpreted in various ways. On one level, it implies that scandal thrives on the attention and reaction it receives from authority figures such as the police. By acknowledging and responding to a scandal, the police inadvertently contribute to its amplification and perpetuation. The act of trying to suppress or put a stop to a scandal can paradoxically fuel its notoriety, as the public becomes more intrigued by the very thing that is being censored or controlled.

Furthermore, Kraus's quote can be seen as a commentary on the nature of power and its impact on public discourse. When the police intervene in a scandal, they are asserting their authority and attempting to impose a sense of order and control. However, this act of intervention may also serve to highlight the underlying tensions and conflicts within society that give rise to scandalous events in the first place. By attempting to suppress scandal, the authorities may inadvertently draw attention to the issues and injustices that are at the heart of the scandal, thereby fueling public curiosity and debate.

Kraus's quote also raises questions about the dynamics of censorship and freedom of expression. The notion that scandal begins when the police intervene implies that there is a threshold of public attention and controversy that must be reached before the authorities feel compelled to take action. This suggests that scandalous events often push the boundaries of societal norms and provoke a reaction from those in power. The quote can be interpreted as a critique of the ways in which authority figures seek to control and regulate public discourse, and how this can sometimes backfire by drawing more attention to the scandal itself.

From a historical perspective, Kraus's quote can also be understood in the context of the early 20th century, a time of significant social and political upheaval. Kraus lived through a period marked by rapid industrialization, technological advancement, and the collapse of traditional social structures. Scandals during this time often arose from the clash between old and new values, as well as from the exposure of corruption and hypocrisy within established institutions. Kraus's quote may reflect his disillusionment with the authorities' attempts to suppress the tumultuous changes and controversies of the era.

In conclusion, Karl Kraus's quote "Scandal begins when the police put a stop to it" encapsulates his critical perspective on the interplay between scandal, authority, and public discourse. The quote invites reflection on the ways in which scandalous events are managed and controlled by those in power, and how these efforts can sometimes have unintended consequences. It also raises questions about the nature of censorship, freedom of expression, and the dynamics of societal change. Kraus's sharp and thought-provoking insight continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about the relationship between scandal, power, and public attention.