Attack Quote by Douglas Adams
““The deadly missile attack shortly to be launched by an ancient automatic defense system will result merely in the breakage of three coffee cups and a mouse cage, the bruising of somebody’s upper arm, and the untimely creation and sudden demise of a bowl of petunias and an innocent sperm whale. In order that some sense of mystery should still be preserved, no revelation will yet be made concerning whose upper arm sustains the bruise. This fact may safely be made the subject of suspense since it is of no significance whatsoever.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 1979
A whimsical description of a massive weapon causing trivial, absurd damage, highlighting the futility of grand threats.
In simple terms: Big weapons cause tiny, ridiculous damage.
Key Takeaway
Don’t overestimate threats.
Themes
humor
absurdity
technology
war
science fiction
Mood
playful
ironic
lighthearted
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Everyday office mishaps
- military exercises
- science experiments
- creative writing
- game design
Key Concepts
Satire
Chaos Theory
Randomness
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the absurdity reveal about our fear of technology?
- How can humor help us confront serious threats?
A Different Perspective
The humor may downplay real dangers of powerful weapons.
![“[On living in New York City:] I'm oblivious to everything. I just don't notice anything. I sat in a coffee shop, drank half a cup of coffee before I noticed there was lipstick on the cup. There was wadded-up gum and lipstick on the napkin. I must have been sitting on that woman's lap for an hour.” quote by Laura Kightlinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f87/laura-kightlinger-24538_cities_on-living-in-new-york-city-i-m-oblivious_55113.jpg)
![“Does God know he [exists]?" "Of course he does. Otherwise, you could not have asked the question, and I could not have answered.” quote by Douglas Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a21/douglas-adams-122_courses_does-god-know-he-exists-of-course-he-doe_26187.jpg)
![“I mean, it's not just the rappers, you know what i'm saying? People want to attack anybody that's a large figure, you know what I'm saying? They did it to [Michael] Jordan, they did it to [Mike] Tyson, they did it to Bill Cosby, you know what I'm saying? They're gonna' attack you if you on top.” quote by The Notorious B.I.G](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac8/the-notorious-b-i-g-8034_attack_i-mean-it-s-not-just-the-rappers-you-kno_27728.jpg)
