Skip to content

Personally I like to imagine something the size of a baby…

“Personally I like to imagine something the size of a baby hippo, the color of a week-old boiled potato, that lives by itself, in the dark, in a double-wide on the outskirts of Topeka. It's covered with eyes and it sweats constantly. The sweat runs into those eyes and makes them sting. It has no…” quote by William Gibson
Download Open image
“Personally I like to imagine something the size of a baby hippo, the color of a week-old boiled potato, that lives by itself, in the dark, in a double-wide on the outskirts of Topeka. It's covered with eyes and it sweats constantly. The sweat runs into those eyes and makes them sting. It has no mouth, no genitals, and can only express its mute extremes of murderous rage and infantile desire by changing the channels on a universal remote. Or by voting in presidential elections.”

William Gibson

About This Quote

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

The description creates a grotesque, surreal creature symbolizing unchecked technological and political power.

In simple terms: A bizarre entity embodies chaotic, oppressive systems.

Key Takeaway

Question the dehumanizing effects of technology and politics.

Themes

technology politics surrealism power alienation

Mood

cautionary provocative

Type

fiction philosophical

When to use this quote

  • urban decay
  • electronic surveillance
  • political campaigns
  • media manipulation

Key Concepts

posthumanism media control surveillance consumerism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does technology reshape identity?
  • What safeguards prevent authoritarian control?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may oversimplify complex systemic issues.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by William Gibson

Explore all 430 William Gibson quotes

More Baby quotes

Browse all 5,822 Baby quotes