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The world rests upon a turtle, which itself stands on the…

“The world rests upon a turtle, which itself stands on the back of an elephant!” Alek tried not to laugh. “Then what does the elephant stand on, madam?” “Don’t try to be clever, young man.” She narrowed her eyes. “It’s elephants all the way down!” quote by Scott Westerfeld
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“The world rests upon a turtle, which itself stands on the back of an elephant!” Alek tried not to laugh. “Then what does the elephant stand on, madam?” “Don’t try to be clever, young man.” She narrowed her eyes. “It’s elephants all the way down!”

Scott Westerfeld

About This Quote

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

A whimsical dialogue illustrates the endless chain of foundational myths, humorously exposing the absurdity of trying to find an ultimate base.

In simple terms: A joke about infinite foundations reveals absurdity.

Key Takeaway

Question the search for ultimate foundations.

Themes

humor philosophy absurdity

Mood

playful ironic

Type

fiction humorous

When to use this quote

  • debates about origins
  • light‑hearted banter

Key Concepts

foundational myths infinite regress

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the “elephant” metaphor suggest about belief systems?
  • How does humor help confront existential questions?
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