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In 1855, as the price of paper rose, Dr. Deck proposed to…

“In 1855, as the price of paper rose, Dr. Deck proposed to dig up 2 1/2 million tons of Egyptian mummies, ship them to New York, unroll them; and use their linen wrappings to make paper.” quote by Nicholson Baker
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““In 1855, as the price of paper rose, Dr. Deck proposed to dig up 2 1/2 million tons of Egyptian mummies, ship them to New York, unroll them; and use their linen wrappings to make paper.””

Nicholson Baker

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 suggestion that ancient mummies could be repurposed for modern paper, highlighting absurdity of resource scarcity.

In simple terms: Suggests using mummies for paper as a joke about scarcity.

Key Takeaway

Consider creative, ethical alternatives to resource shortages.

Themes

resource scarcity absurdity ethics innovation

Mood

sarcastic thought‑provoking

Type

satirical commentary

When to use this quote

  • publishing industry
  • environmental policy
  • education
  • museum c
  • archaeology
  • null

Key Concepts

sustainability historical exploitation material reuse

Questions to Reflect On

  • What ethical limits should guide resource innovation?
  • How can we balance creativity with respect for cultural heritage?
A Different Perspective

Such a plan would be ethically unacceptable and logistically impossible.

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