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Another guy came in, and he said he was quitting his job…

“Another guy came in, and he said he was quitting his job at the Research Laboratory; said anything a scientist worked on was sure to wind up as a weapon, one way or another. Said he didn’t want to help politicians with their fugging wars anymore. Name was Breed. I asked him if he was any relation…” quote by Kurt Vonnegut
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““Another guy came in, and he said he was quitting his job at the Research Laboratory; said anything a scientist worked on was sure to wind up as a weapon, one way or another. Said he didn’t want to help politicians with their fugging wars anymore. Name was Breed. I asked him if he was any relation to the boss of the fugging Research Laboratory. He said he fugging well was. Said he was the boss of the Research Laboratory’s fugging son.””

Kurt Vonnegut

About This Quote

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

A satirical take on bureaucratic absurdity and the futility of war.

In simple terms: War and bureaucracy are absurd.

Key Takeaway

Question authority, seek meaning beyond.

Themes

absurdity war bureaucracy

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

literary satirical

When to use this quote

  • military service
  • research ethics
  • political activism
  • career decisions

Key Concepts

satire ethical dilemma human folly

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities do scientists have?
  • How can individuals resist corrupt systems?
A Different Perspective

Satire may oversimplify complex issues.

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