Martian Quote by Fredric Brown
““A high-pitched chuckle sounded only an inch or two from Dr. Snyder’s right ear. He jumped a few inches, but very carefully didn’t turn, knowing it would put the Martian’s face unbearably close to his own. “Ver-y clever, Mack, ver-y clever. And screwy as a bedbug, screwy as a bedbug.” “It’s perfectly logical,” said Dr. Snyder. “It’s absolutely proved. You can’t lie.” “But I can,” said the Martian. “Work on the logic of that a while, Mack.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “Martians, Go Home” by Fredric Brown, 1955
A Martian mocks Dr. Snyder’s logic, claiming it can be proven absolutely, yet admits the ability to lie, highlighting the limits of pure logic when faced with deception.
In simple terms: Logic can be proven but still be flawed when deception is possible.
Question assumptions about logical certainty.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Scientific research
- ethical debates
- AI decision‑making
- legal testimony
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we safeguard logical systems against deceit?
- Can truth be fully captured by formal proof?
Logic alone cannot account for intentional falsehoods.