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Billions Quote by Douglas Adams

“You may not instantly see why I bring the subject up, but that is because my mind works so phenomenally fast, and I am at a rough estimate thirty billion times more intelligent than you. Let me give you an example. Think of a number, any number.” “Er, five,” said the mattress. “Wrong,” said…” quote by Douglas Adams
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“You may not instantly see why I bring the subject up, but that is because my mind works so phenomenally fast, and I am at a rough estimate thirty billion times more intelligent than you. Let me give you an example. Think of a number, any number.” “Er, five,” said the mattress. “Wrong,” said Marvin. “You see?”

Douglas Adams

About This Quote

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

The narrator boasts hyperbolic intelligence, using absurd humor to illustrate the absurdity of overconfidence.

In simple terms: Boasting about extreme intelligence is absurd.

Key Takeaway

Beware of overconfidence and arrogance.

Themes

humor arrogance intelligence

Mood

witty satirical

Type

satirical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic debates
  • tech presentations
  • social media posts
  • personal arguments

Key Concepts

satire cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does humor reveal truth about ego?
  • When is confidence constructive versus conceited?
A Different Perspective

Exaggerated claims can undermine credibility.

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