Death Quote by John Brunner
““ Latro, California: "Terrible diarrhea, Doctor, and I feel so weak!" "Take these pills and come back in three days if you're not better." Parkington, Texas: "Terrible diarrhea..." "Take these pills..." Hainesport, Louisiana: "Terrible..." "Take..." Baker Bay, Florida... Washington, DC... Philadelphia, Pennsylvania... New York, New York... Boston, Massachusetts... Chicago, Illinois: "Doctor, I know it's Sunday, but the kid's in such a terrible state - you've got to help me!" "Give him some junior aspirin and bring him to my office tomorrow. Goodbye." EVERYWHERE, USA: a sudden upswing in orders for very small coffins, the right size to take a baby dead from acute infantile enteritis.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: The Long Dark Afternoon by John Brunner, 1971
A satirical list shows increasing medical absurdities across US cities, culminating in a grim outcome for infants.
In simple terms: Medical responses become increasingly absurd, leading to tragedy.
Key Takeaway
Question the efficacy of medical protocols.
Themes
satire
medicine
bureaucracy
tragedy
Mood
dark humor
critical
Type
satire
social commentary
When to use this quote
- public health reform
- medical ethics
- policy analysis
- emergency response
Key Concepts
healthcare systems
policy failure
infant mortality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can medical systems avoid absurdity?
- What safeguards protect vulnerable patients?
A Different Perspective
Humor may mask serious systemic failures.
