I could see exactly what must have happened. Insert a liberal dose of mixed spirits in a normally abstemious man, and he becomes a force. He does not stand around, twiddling his fingers and stammering. He acts. I
The quote illustrates the transformative effect of alcohol on a typically restrained individual. When a sober person, who usually exercises self-control, consumes spirits, they undergo a significant change in demeanor. This alteration is characterized by increased assertiveness and decisiveness, which starkly contrasts with their usual behavior of hesitation and passivity.
Wodehouse's observation reflects a common theme in literature, where alcohol serves as a catalyst for change, often unleashing hidden personalities and encouraging action. This notion highlights the irony that something typically viewed as a social lubricant can reveal a person's latent strengths, prompting them to engage more boldly with the world around them.