Amount Quote by Alan Watts
“So we down-to-earth, gutsy, tough, realistic, and practical types have just been squandering billions of dollars and unimaginable amounts of energy, nerve-work, and materials in whizzing off to the moon to discover, as astronomers knew before, that it was just a dreary slag heap. This is the true, original and scientifically etymological meaning of being lunatics. Crying for the moon.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public talk, 1960s, unknown venue
The quote criticizes lavish investment in space exploration, calling it wasteful compared to practical, earthbound efforts.
In simple terms: Space spending is wasteful; focus on practical work.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize practical solutions over costly fantasies.
Themes
practicality
waste
space exploration
economics
vision
Mood
skeptical
critical
reflective
Type
cautionary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- private sector R&D
- environmental policy
- public opinion
- education curricula
Key Concepts
Opportunity cost
scientific skepticism
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- Is the money better spent on Earth?
- What are the hidden benefits of space missions?
A Different Perspective
Some argue space research yields long‑term benefits and technological spin‑offs.
