Bicycle Quote by Arthur Guiterman
“First dentistry was painless. Then bicycles were chainless, Carriages were horseless, And many laws enforceless. Next cookery was fireless, Telegraphy was wireless, Cigars were nicotineless, And coffee caffeineless. Soon oranges were seedless, The putting green was weedless, The college boy was hatless, The proper diet fatless. New motor roads are dustless, The latest steel is rustless, Our tennis courts are sodless, Our new religion--godless.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The New World” by Arthur Guiterman, 1905
The poem humorously lists things that have become “less” as progress advances, highlighting absurdities of over‑optimism.
In simple terms: Progress often leads to unnecessary “less” claims.
Key Takeaway
Question the value of every change.
Themes
irony
progress
absurdity
Mood
wry
thoughtful
Type
satirical
observational
When to use this quote
- advertising slogans
- product design
- urban planning
- environmental policy
- cultural criticism
Key Concepts
modernism
satire
technological optimism
Questions to Reflect On
- Which “less” trends truly improve life?
- How do we balance innovation with essential qualities?
A Different Perspective
Not all “less” is better; some losses are harmful.
