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One of the things I'm proudest of is, on my record 'That…

“One of the things I'm proudest of is, on my record 'That Was the Year that Was' in 1965, I made a joke about spending $20 billion sending some clown to the moon. I was against the manned space program then, and I'm even more against it now, that whole waste of money.” quote by Tom Lehrer
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“One of the things I'm proudest of is, on my record 'That Was the Year that Was' in 1965, I made a joke about spending $20 billion sending some clown to the moon. I was against the manned space program then, and I'm even more against it now, that whole waste of money.”

Tom Lehrer

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 critique of the high cost of manned space missions, questioning their value.

In simple terms: Space travel is wasteful.

Key Takeaway

Consider the true cost of large projects.

Themes

skepticism economics science policy

Mood

critical humorous

Type

satire political

When to use this quote

  • government funding debates
  • public opinion on space
  • budget planning

Key Concepts

budget allocation technological ambition

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is spending on space ever justified?
  • What alternatives could use such funds?
A Different Perspective

Ignores scientific and inspirational benefits.

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