---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If the universe is bigger and stranger…"
description: "\"If the universe is bigger and stranger than I can imagine, it's best to meet it with an empty bladder.\" — John Scalzi"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a3/john-scalzi-2071_bigger_if-the-universe-is-bigger-and-stranger-t_1955886.png"
---

#  If the universe is bigger and stranger than I can imagine…

![“If the universe is bigger and stranger than I can imagine, it's best to meet it with an empty bladder.” quote by John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a3/john-scalzi-2071_bigger_if-the-universe-is-bigger-and-stranger-t_1955886.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a3/john-scalzi-2071_bigger_if-the-universe-is-bigger-and-stranger-t_1955886.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a3/john-scalzi-2071_bigger_if-the-universe-is-bigger-and-stranger-t_1955886.png)

> “If the universe is bigger and stranger than I can imagine, it's best to meet it with an empty bladder.”

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Suggests approaching the vast unknown with preparedness, humorously using an empty bladder as a metaphor.

**In simple terms:** Be prepared for the unknown, even in mundane ways.

Key Takeaway

Stay ready for unexpected challenges.

Themes

preparedness humor exploration

Mood

lighthearted thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- space travel
- scientific research
- adventure planning
- daily routines

Key Concepts

existential curiosity practicality

Questions to Reflect On

- How does humor help cope with uncertainty?
- What practical steps prepare you for the unknown?

A Different Perspective

Humor may downplay seriousness of cosmic scale.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Stranger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stranger/) [Universe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/universe/)

## Related quotes

> [When you finally understand the universe, it will not only be stranger than you imagine, it will be stranger than you can imagine.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-c-clarke/when-you-finally-understand-the-universe-it-will-not-only-be-stranger/)

[Arthur C. Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-c-clarke/)

> [“Imagine your body becoming that of a stranger. Imagine the sensation of it being not yours, as you discover what it feels like to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-bartlett/imagine-your-body-becoming-that-of-a-stranger-imagine-the-sensation/)

[Neil Bartlett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-bartlett/)

> [The Universe is stranger than we imagine!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/the-universe-is-stranger-than-we-imagine/)

[Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/)

> [The Universe may be stranger than we can imagine, but it's going to have a tough time outdoing Egan.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/greg-egan/the-universe-may-be-stranger-than-we-can-imagine-but-it-s-going-to/)

[Greg Egan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/greg-egan/)

> [“I don't pretend to understand the universe — it's much bigger than I am.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/i-don-t-pretend-to-understand-the-universe-it-s-much-bigger-than-i-am/)

[Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/)

> [A teacher of knowledge and power gives you experiences in other dimensions. They show you that the universe is much bigger and more fascinating…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/a-teacher-of-knowledge-and-power-gives-you-experiences-in-other/)

[Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/)

> [How is it that hardly any major religion has looked at science and concluded, “This is better than we thought! The Universe is much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-sagan/how-is-it-that-hardly-any-major-religion-has-looked-at-science-and/)

[Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-sagan/)

> [“Is another universe bigger or smaller than the idea of God? Does it matter? If there is a sphere where 'angels' dwell, is it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laini-taylor/is-another-universe-bigger-or-smaller-than-the-idea-of-god-does-it/)

[Laini Taylor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laini-taylor/)

> [The universe is bigger than our egos and can supply more than our demand.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-vitale/the-universe-is-bigger-than-our-egos-and-can-supply-more-than-our/)

[Joe Vitale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-vitale/)

> [“Math, like meditation, puts you in direct contact with the universe, which is bigger than you, was here before you, and will be here…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jordan-ellenberg/math-like-meditation-puts-you-in-direct-contact-with-the-universe/)

[Jordan Ellenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jordan-ellenberg/)

> [“The universe is bigger than anything that can fit into your mind.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ava-dellaira/the-universe-is-bigger-than-anything-that-can-fit-into-your-mind/)

[Ava Dellaira](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ava-dellaira/)

> [“I’m humble enough to acknowledge that I don’t know the secrets of the universe. I’m no longer chasing faith. I’m chasing truth—and that means…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sean-chercover/i-m-humble-enough-to-acknowledge-that-i-don-t-know-the-secrets-of-the/)

[Sean Chercover](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sean-chercover/)

> [Knowledge that one has to get in this whole universe is even bigger than the universe. No one can learn it to a end.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hiroshana-jayamal/knowledge-that-one-has-to-get-in-this-whole-universe-is-even-bigger/)

[Hiroshana Jayamal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hiroshana-jayamal/)

> [The universe has much bigger plans for you than you ever dreamed of for yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deepak-chopra/the-universe-has-much-bigger-plans-for-you-than-you-ever-dreamed-of/)

[Deepak Chopra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deepak-chopra/)

> [ “\[...\] however big our world is - in our hearts, our minds, and our outsized digital maps - the universe is even bigger. A… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-degrasse-tyson/however-big-our-world-is-in-our-hearts-our-minds-and-our-outsized/)

[Neil deGrasse Tyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-degrasse-tyson/)

## More by John Scalzi

> [“To everyone who thinks writing a sequel should be easy because you've already clreated the universe: Bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha! Heh.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/to-everyone-who-thinks-writing-a-sequel-should-be-easy-because-you-ve/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [When you're a kid all you want to do is be somewhere else.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/when-you-re-a-kid-all-you-want-to-do-is-be-somewhere-else/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [Being poor is people wondering why you didn't leave.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/being-poor-is-people-wondering-why-you-didn-t-leave/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [“It’s a hell of a thing to say good-bye to your whole life.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/it-s-a-hell-of-a-thing-to-say-good-bye-to-your-whole-life/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [“That as far as I can tell,” Jenkins said, “it’s not actually a very good show.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/that-as-far-as-i-can-tell-jenkins-said-it-s-not-actually-a-very-good/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [I both love and am terrified by Greg Van Eekhout's vision of Los Angeles. I already want to go back.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/i-both-love-and-am-terrified-by-greg-van-eekhout-s-vision-of-los/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [There's always been a little bit of tension between the writers of science fiction literature and then science-fiction televised shows or movies, partly because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/there-s-always-been-a-little-bit-of-tension-between-the-writers-of/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [“I mean that you and I know that in this universe, God is a hack," he said. "He's a writer on an awful science…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/i-mean-that-you-and-i-know-that-in-this-universe-god-is-a-hack-he/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [“The diagnostics and modifications screens. Ugly and utilitarian, just like they have been since the very beginnings of visual user interface. They were beautiful.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/the-diagnostics-and-modifications-screens-ugly-and-utilitarian-just/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [“You can’t afford anthropomorphic biases when some of the aliens most like us would rather make human hamburgers than peace.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/you-can-t-afford-anthropomorphic-biases-when-some-of-the-aliens-most/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [Ultimately the first, best step in getting your work noticed is to write good work. If people don't engage in your writing, no amount…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/ultimately-the-first-best-step-in-getting-your-work-noticed-is-to/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [“It was this philosophy that had Harvey taking the hovercraft Sagan had stolen, mounting it, and, after a few moments to glean the fundamentals…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/it-was-this-philosophy-that-had-harvey-taking-the-hovercraft-sagan/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [I tell people the first time I decided to write a novel I was in my mid-20s, and it was, 'Well, it's time to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/i-tell-people-the-first-time-i-decided-to-write-a-novel-i-was-in-my/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [“I don't think food safety laws are going to protect you from a third carnitas burrito," Hanson said. "That's not about food safety. It's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/i-don-t-think-food-safety-laws-are-going-to-protect-you-from-a-third/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

> [I did two things on my seventy-fifth birthday. I visited my wife's grave. Then I joined the army.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/i-did-two-things-on-my-seventy-fifth-birthday-i-visited-my-wife-s/)

[John Scalzi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

[Explore all 187 John Scalzi quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/)

## More Bigger quotes

> [The bigger the canvas, the better I do. I'm not so good at understated, kitchen-sink kinds of parts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-reeve/the-bigger-the-canvas-the-better-i-do-i-m-not-so-good-at-understated/)

[Christopher Reeve](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-reeve/)

> [I've seen guys come along with more ability - they've been faster or bigger or stronger - but they never worked hard to develop…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-largent/i-ve-seen-guys-come-along-with-more-ability-they-ve-been-faster-or/)

[Steve Largent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-largent/)

> [I have always been a big meta guy because I think the way journalism is practiced in Washington, and the way everyone sort of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-leibovich/i-have-always-been-a-big-meta-guy-because-i-think-the-way-journalism/)

[Mark Leibovich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-leibovich/)

> [In China, people are moving from bigger cars to small hatches, and interestingly, the Indian market is graduating to bigger cars and sedans. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/winfried-vahland/in-china-people-are-moving-from-bigger-cars-to-small-hatches-and/)

[Winfried Vahland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/winfried-vahland/)

> [Can you imagine any better example of divine creative accomplishment that the consummate flying machine that is a bird? The skeleton, very flexible and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/guy-murchie/can-you-imagine-any-better-example-of-divine-creative-accomplishment/)

[Guy Murchie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/guy-murchie/)

> [I just think structure can make a book feel so much bigger. It's the architecture. You could use flimsy materials if you wanted to,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jami-attenberg/i-just-think-structure-can-make-a-book-feel-so-much-bigger-it-s-the/)

[Jami Attenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jami-attenberg/)

> [I've always thought that the most extraordinary special effect you could do is to buy a child at the moment of its birth, sit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clive-barker/i-ve-always-thought-that-the-most-extraordinary-special-effect-you/)

[Clive Barker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clive-barker/)

> [Max—you have a bigger mission than finding the flock's parents. Focus on helping the whole world, not just your friends. I held my wings…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-patterson/max-you-have-a-bigger-mission-than-finding-the-flock-s-parents-focus/)

[James Patterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-patterson/)

> [Sometimes people can write really great scenes and even a great episode, but they can't see the bigger picture.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/m-night-shyamalan/sometimes-people-can-write-really-great-scenes-and-even-a-great/)

[M. Night Shyamalan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/m-night-shyamalan/)

> [Never be too busy for the people you love. Never allow pursuits or possessions to become bigger priorities than your relationships. Love is what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-willis/never-be-too-busy-for-the-people-you-love-never-allow-pursuits-or/)

[Dave Willis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-willis/)

> [If you consider yourself a part of the culture, then finances can't allow you to be bigger than the actual art form.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/curtis-jackson/if-you-consider-yourself-a-part-of-the-culture-then-finances-can-t/)

[Curtis Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/curtis-jackson/)

> [If we get better our customers will demand we get bigger.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-truett-cathy/if-we-get-better-our-customers-will-demand-we-get-bigger/)

[S. Truett Cathy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-truett-cathy/)

> [ Their \[the U.S.’s\] defense budget in absolute figures is almost 25 times bigger than Russia’s. This is what in defense is referred to as… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vladimir-putin/their-the-u-s-s-defense-budget-in-absolute-figures-is-almost-25-times/)

[Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vladimir-putin/)

> [I think everyone has been annoyed at school or in their life, that's a type of bullying. So, you can take those feelings and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kodi-smit-mcphee/i-think-everyone-has-been-annoyed-at-school-or-in-their-life-that-s-a/)

[Kodi Smit-McPhee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kodi-smit-mcphee/)

> [Athletes at all ages are bigger and stronger than ever before. And they are being encouraged - sometimes even incentivized, as we recently learned…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/naveen-jain/athletes-at-all-ages-are-bigger-and-stronger-than-ever-before-and/)

[Naveen Jain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/naveen-jain/)

Browse all 3,614 Bigger quotes

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "If the universe is bigger and stranger than I can imagine, it's best to meet it with an empty bladder.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "John Scalzi"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/if-the-universe-is-bigger-and-stranger-than-i-can-imagine-it-s-best/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Bigger"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/if-the-universe-is-bigger-and-stranger-than-i-can-imagine-it-s-best/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a3/john-scalzi-2071_bigger_if-the-universe-is-bigger-and-stranger-t_1955886.png",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a3/john-scalzi-2071_bigger_if-the-universe-is-bigger-and-stranger-t_1955886.png",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a3/john-scalzi-2071_bigger_if-the-universe-is-bigger-and-stranger-t_1955886.png",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“If the universe is bigger and stranger than I can imagine, it's best to meet it with an empty bladder.” — John Scalzi",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "John Scalzi",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-scalzi/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "If the universe is bigger and...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/if-the-universe-is-bigger-and-stranger-than-i-can-imagine-it-s-best/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-scalzi/if-the-universe-is-bigger-and-stranger-than-i-can-imagine-it-s-best/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
