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Nervous Mattresses Quote by Douglas Adams

“Arthur prodded the mattress nervously and then sat on it himself: in fact he had very little to be nervous about, because all mattresses grown in the swamps of Sqornshellous Zeta are very thoroughly killed and dried before being put to service. Very few have ever come to life again.” quote by Douglas Adams
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““Arthur prodded the mattress nervously and then sat on it himself: in fact he had very little to be nervous about, because all mattresses grown in the swamps of Sqornshellous Zeta are very thoroughly killed and dried before being put to service. Very few have ever come to life again.””

Douglas Adams

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, 1979

Even in absurd situations, characters can be nervous despite obvious safety, highlighting irrational fear and humor.

In simple terms: People fear even harmless things.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and laugh at irrational fears.

Themes

fear humor absurdity science fiction

Mood

playful witty

Type

satirical fictional

When to use this quote

  • space travel
  • new technology
  • first encounters
  • daily anxieties

Key Concepts

psychology satire risk perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we fear the harmless?
  • How does humor help cope with fear?
A Different Perspective

Fear can be irrational but still affect behavior.

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