Annoyance Quote by Douglas Adams
“We're not obsessed by anything, you see," insisted Ford. "..." "And that's the deciding factor. We can't win against obsession. They care, we don't. They win." "I care about lots of things," said Slartibartfast, his voice trembling partly with annoyance, but partly also with uncertainty. "Such as?" "Well," said the old man, "life, the Universe. Everything, really. Fjords." "Would you die for them?" "Fjords?" blinked Slartibartfast in surprise. "No." "Well then." "Wouldn't see the point, to be honest.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams, 1979
Obsession blinds competition; caring about many things keeps perspective and prevents losing focus to single‑minded drive.
In simple terms: Caring broadly protects against obsession.
Key Takeaway
Balance interests to stay resilient.
Themes
balance
perspective
competition
obsession
resilience
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- team dynamics
- personal growth
- decision making
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize breadth over depth?
- How does caring about many things affect your goals?
A Different Perspective
Obsession can also fuel deep expertise and breakthrough innovation.