Lightning Quote by A.J. Jacobs
““Lightning goes up. It shoots right up from the ground and into the cloud. This what the encyclopedia says in the section on climate and weather. I reread this passage a couple of times to make sure I hadn't gone batty—but no, lightning goes up.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Lists, 2005
The quote humorously points out that common knowledge can be counter‑intuitive, prompting us to question what we accept as fact.
In simple terms: Even obvious facts can feel strange when examined.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions, verify sources.
Themes
curiosity
skepticism
knowledge
humor
learning
Mood
amused
thoughtful
Type
anecdotal
humorous
reflective
When to use this quote
- reading scientific texts
- teaching science
- debating facts
- checking information
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
perception
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we decide which facts need deeper scrutiny?
- When does humor help or hinder understanding?
A Different Perspective
It may oversimplify complex atmospheric physics.
![“Even when lightning flashes inside them [clouds], we say they are only clouds and turn our attention to the next meal, next pain, next breath, the next page. This is how we go on.” quote by Sidney Sheldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7ac/sidney-sheldon-7520_carry-on_even-when-lightning-flashes-inside-them_6003.jpg)
