Civilization Quote by Douglas Adams
“It seemed to me,' said Wonko the Sane, 'that any civilization that had so far lost its head as to need to include a set of detailed instructions for use in a package of toothpicks, was no longer a civilization in which I could live and stay sane.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Salmon of Doubt, 2002 (posthumous collection)
A satirical critique that over‑engineered instructions on trivial items signal cultural decline and loss of sanity.
In simple terms: Over‑detailed instructions on simple things indicate societal decay.
Key Takeaway
Question unnecessary complexity.
Themes
culture
technology
satire
communication
Mood
critical
humorous
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Product packaging
- software manuals
- government forms
- daily life
Key Concepts
Bureaucracy
information overload
modernity
Questions to Reflect On
- When does detail become helpful?
- What balance should we strike?
A Different Perspective
The quote exaggerates to make a point, possibly ignoring useful instructions.
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