Bigs Quote by Frank Zappa
“The Very Big Stupid is a thing which breeds by eating The Future. Have you seen it? It sometimes disguises itself as a good-looking quarterly bottom line, derived by closing the R&D department.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Zappa on Business and Innovation, 1979
A short-sighted focus on immediate profit can destroy long‑term potential, especially when R&D is cut.
In simple terms: Prioritizing short‑term gains harms future growth.
Guard long‑term innovation over quick profits.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- corporate budgeting
- product development
- technology investment
- R&D decisions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance quarterly results with future R&D?
- What safeguards can prevent cutting essential innovation?
Short‑term profit may be necessary for survival in some crises.