Skip to content

Big bang Quote by Salman Rushdie

“Are you familiar," he said finally, "with the Bang?" "The Big Bang?" Luka asked. "Or some other Bang I don't know about?" "There was only one Bang," said Nobodaddy, "so the adjective Big is redundant and meaningless. The Bang would only be Big if there was at least one other Little or Medium-Sized…” quote by Salman Rushdie
Download Open image
““Are you familiar," he said finally, "with the Bang?" "The Big Bang?" Luka asked. "Or some other Bang I don't know about?" "There was only one Bang," said Nobodaddy, "so the adjective Big is redundant and meaningless. The Bang would only be Big if there was at least one other Little or Medium-Sized or even Bigger Bang to compare it with, and to differentiate it from.””

Salman Rushdie

About This Quote

Source Novel: Midnight's Children, 1981

The quote playfully critiques the redundancy of calling the universe's origin "Big" when there is no other Bang for comparison, highlighting how language can create unnecessary distinctions.

In simple terms: Calling the Big Bang "big" is redundant without a reference point.

Key Takeaway

Question the necessity of qualifiers in language.

Themes

language philosophy science semantics humor

Mood

playful thoughtful

Type

humorous philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic discussion
  • science communication
  • writing workshops

Key Concepts

relativity comparative analysis semantic redundancy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language shape our perception of scientific concepts?
  • Can redundancy ever be useful for emphasis?
A Different Perspective

The point may overlook that "big" conveys magnitude to lay audiences.

3.1 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Salman Rushdie

Explore all 1,087 Salman Rushdie quotes

More Big bang quotes

Browse all 442 Big bang quotes