Conceit Quote by Richard Dawkins
![“To illustrate the vain conceit that the universe must be somehow pre-ordained for us, because we are so well-suited to live in it, he [Douglas Adams] mimed a wonderfully funny imitation of a puddle of water, fitting itself snugly into a depression in the ground, the depression uncannily being…” quote by Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a6f/richard-dawkins-115_conceit_to-illustrate-the-vain-conceit-that-the_2176499.jpg)
“To illustrate the vain conceit that the universe must be somehow pre-ordained for us, because we are so well-suited to live in it, he [Douglas Adams] mimed a wonderfully funny imitation of a puddle of water, fitting itself snugly into a depression in the ground, the depression uncannily being exactly the same shape as the puddle.”
About This Quote
The quote mocks the idea that the universe is perfectly designed for humanity, using a puddle analogy to show coincidence over design.
In simple terms: It jokes that the universe isn’t specially made for us.
Key Takeaway
Question coincidences, not destiny.
Themes
humor
science
philosophy
Mood
skeptical
playful
Type
critical
satirical
When to use this quote
- debates on cosmology
- science education
- philosophical discussions
- skeptical inquiry
- public talks
Key Concepts
anthropic principle
coincidence
design argument
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do we make about design?
- How does humor affect scientific discourse?
A Different Perspective
It may oversimplify complex cosmological arguments.
![“I've seen [Lalla Ward] episodes of "Doctor Who." They're good, at least partly because the scripts were written by Douglas Adams.” quote by Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/995/richard-dawkins-115_doctor-who_i-ve-seen-lalla-ward-episodes-of-doctor_3088892.jpg)
![“I think Douglas [Adams] is writing with an eye to irony for adults at the same time as entertaining children.” quote by Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/66b/richard-dawkins-115_adults_i-think-douglas-adams-is-writing-with-an_2269098.jpg)
![“I think Douglas [Douglas Adams] was a real one-off. He was so clever and so intelligent and so well read in real science that he could make science fiction work as well as it did. And just such fun to have around, he was just such a lovely man.” quote by Lalla Ward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d39/lalla-ward-33910_clever_i-think-douglas-douglas-adams-was-a-real_996442.jpg)
