I like to watch the news, because I don't like people very much and when you watch the news... if you ever had an idea that people were really terrible, you could watch the news and know that you're right.
Frank ZappaRead
All the old history was written for the amusement of the ruling classes. The lower classes couldn't read, and their rulers didn't care about remembering what happened to them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
History is often biased in favor of those in power, neglecting the experiences of the lower classes.
This quote by Frank Zappa highlights the idea that historical narratives are often crafted by those in positions of power, serving their interests and providing entertainment for the ruling classes. The implication is that the voices and experiences of the lower classes are marginalized, as they were typically not educated enough to engage with these histories, leading to a one-sided and incomplete understanding of our past.
Themes
HistoryPowerRuling ClassesLower ClassesBias
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on social justice, you could use this quote to emphasize the importance of including diverse perspectives in historical narratives.
More from Frank Zappa
All quotes βThe richest people in the world aren't particularly smart or happy. And the happiest people in the world aren't particularly smart or rich.β¦ That leaves me making music. But we can't talk about that.
Frank ZappaRead
Bad facts make bad law, and people who write bad laws are in my opinion more dangerous than songwriters who celebrate sexuality. Freedom of speech, freedom of religious thought, and the right to due process for composers, performers and retailers are imperiled if the PMRC and the major labels consummate this nasty bargain.
Frank ZappaRead
Don't mind your make-up, you'd better make your mind up.
Frank ZappaRead
Music is always a commentary on society.
Frank ZappaRead
I'm more interested in melodic things. I think the biggest challenge when you go to play a solo is trying to invent a melody on the spot.
Frank ZappaRead
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The historian is, by definition, absolutely incapable of observing the facts which he examines.
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We have a long, ugly history of white supremacy in this country, ranging from Jim Crow laws to keep African Americans down to the 1924 Immigration Act to keep non-Europeans out.
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