PROBOSCIS, n. The rudimentary organ of an elephant which…
“PROBOSCIS, n. The rudimentary organ of an elephant which serves him in place of the knife-and-fork that Evolution has as yet denied him. For purposes of humor it is popularly called a trunk. Asked how he knew that an elephant was going on a journey, the illustrious Jo. Miller cast a reproachful look upon his tormentor, and answered, absently: When it is ajar, and threw himself from a high promontory into the sea. Thus perished in his pride the most famous humorist of antiquity, leaving to mankind a heritage of woe! No successor worthy of the title has appeared, though Mr. Edward bok, of _The Ladies' Home Journal_, is much respected for the purity and sweetness of his personal character.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage satirically defines an elephant’s trunk as a primitive utensil, mocking pretentious explanations and highlighting absurdity in human rationalization.
In simple terms: A humorous definition of an elephant’s trunk as a crude tool, mocking serious analysis.
Key Takeaway
Question absurd definitions and recognize satire.
Themes
satire
absurdity
language
humor
Mood
ironic
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- literary analysis
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
definition
mockery
philosophical critique
Questions to Reflect On
- When does humor become misleading?
- How does absurdity reveal deeper truths?
A Different Perspective
Satire can obscure truth if taken literally.