Art Quote by Neil Postman
““But it is not time constraints alone that produce such fragmented and discontinuous language. When a television show is in process, it is very nearly impermissible to say, "Let me think about that" or "I don't know" or "What do you mean when you say...?" or "From what sources does your information come?" This type of discourse not only slows down the tempo of the show but creates the impression of uncertainty or lack of finish. It tends to reveal people in the act of thinking , which is as disconcerting and boring on television as it is on a Las Vegas stage. Thinking does not play well on television, a fact that television directors discovered long ago. There is not much to see in it. It is, in a phrase, not a performing art. But television demands a performing art.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Amusing Ourselves to Death, 1985
Postman argues that television’s visual focus discourages reflective discourse, making thinking appear boring and unsuitable for the medium.
In simple terms: TV avoids showing people thinking because it slows the show and feels uncertain.
Key Takeaway
Design media that allows thoughtful dialogue.
Themes
media
communication
television
culture
philosophy
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
informative
When to use this quote
- TV news production
- live interview formats
- educational broadcasting
Key Concepts
performing art vs. reflective discourse
media constraints
audience expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- How can producers incorporate reflective moments without losing pace?
- What formats best balance visual appeal and thoughtful content?
A Different Perspective
May underestimate audience appetite for depth.
![“If you're up there [on stage] thinking about what you're doing, you're just not there and it's not going to happen.So trying to learn how to overcome those - which is a normal thing to do. You're in front of a lot of people. People are going to get very self-conscious. So you have to learn to sort…” quote by Bruce Springsteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/93d/bruce-springsteen-546_blow_if-you-re-up-there-on-stage-thinking-abo_1593313.jpg)
