Skip to content

I have figured for you the distance between the horns of a…

“I have figured for you the distance between the horns of a dilemma, night and day, and A and Z. I have computed how far is Up, how long it takes to get Away, and what becomes of Gone. I have discovered the length of the sea serpent, the price of priceless, and the square of the hippopotamus. I…” quote by James Thurber
Download Open image
“I have figured for you the distance between the horns of a dilemma, night and day, and A and Z. I have computed how far is Up, how long it takes to get Away, and what becomes of Gone. I have discovered the length of the sea serpent, the price of priceless, and the square of the hippopotamus. I know where you are when you are at Sixes and Sevens, how much Is you have to have to make an Are, and how many birds you can catch with the salt in the ocean - 187,796,132, if it would interest you.”

James Thurber

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker humorously claims to have measured absurd, impossible quantities, illustrating the futility of over‑analysis.

In simple terms: Over‑analysis leads to absurd, meaningless calculations.

Key Takeaway

Avoid over‑complicating simple matters.

Themes

absurdity analysis humor

Mood

witty ironic

Type

satirical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • daily problem solving
  • creative brainstorming
  • planning sessions

Key Concepts

logic paradox satire

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does deep analysis become useful?
  • How can humor reveal the limits of logic?
A Different Perspective

Sometimes detailed analysis is necessary.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by James Thurber

Explore all 229 James Thurber quotes

More Bird quotes

Browse all 4,802 Bird quotes