" The judge said I was a menace to society because I had put crime on a scientific basis. "
- Gregory Corso

In this statement, Gregory Corso describes a situation where he was labeled as a menace to society by a judge due to his efforts to apply scientific principles to criminal behavior and activities. This judgment implies that the judge perceived Corso's work on crime from a scientific perspective as dangerous or destabilizing for societal norms.

The deeper meaning behind this quote reflects broader societal attitudes towards unconventional thinking, particularly when it challenges established moral and legal frameworks. By putting crime on a "scientific basis," Corso was likely exploring why people commit crimes, the psychological and sociological factors that contribute to criminal behavior, and possibly even advocating for more compassionate or rehabilitative approaches to dealing with criminals. The judge's reaction suggests an aversion to such perspectives, seeing them as undermining the traditional methods of justice and law enforcement.

Gregory Corso was an American poet who was part of the Beat Generation alongside figures like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. His work often questioned societal norms and conventions, reflecting a rebellious spirit that was characteristic of his literary circle during the mid-20th century. The quote encapsulates both the personal and broader cultural challenges faced by individuals who dare to think outside conventional boundaries and question the status quo in fields such as law and justice.