Morse code Quote by Mary Roach
““by letter in Morse code. Kittinger says it was a joke, but Simons didn’t take it that way. (Morse code has always been a tough medium for humor.) In his memoir Man High, Simons recalls thinking that “the weird and little understood breakaway phenomenon could be taking hold of Kittinger’s mind,…that he…was gripped in this strange reverie and was hellbent on flying on and on without regard for the consequences.” Simons compared the breakaway phenomenon to “the deadly raptures of the deep.” “Rapture of the deep” is a medical condition””
About This Quote
Source Book: Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, 2003
The passage describes a humorous anecdote about Morse code jokes and a “breakaway phenomenon” likened to a dangerous, obsessive mental state.
In simple terms: Morse code humor leads to obsessive thoughts.
Key Takeaway
Beware of obsessive mental states.
Themes
humor
psychology
communication
Mood
lighthearted
thought‑provoking
Type
narrative
educational
When to use this quote
- writing memoir
- science communication
- humor writing
Key Concepts
Morse code limitations
mental obsession
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humor influence perception of risk?
- What safeguards prevent obsession in research?
A Different Perspective
Humor can mask serious mental health concerns.
