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.
There is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe, and it has a longer shelf life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote humorously suggests that stupidity is more prevalent and enduring than even the most abundant element in the universe.
Frank Zappa's quote uses humor to convey a profound truth about human nature; it suggests that stupidity exists in vastly greater quantities than hydrogen, which is a fundamental element of the universe. This implies that not only is ignorance and foolishness widespread, but it tends to persist over time, often outlasting more ephemeral qualities, prompting a reflection on human behavior and the nature of intelligence.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a light-hearted speech about human behavior, one might say, 'As Frank Zappa once noted, there is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe.'
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.
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.
Don't mind your make-up, you'd better make your mind up.
Music is always a commentary on society.
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.
Similar quotes
I went to Zimbabwe. I know how white people feel in America now; relaxed! Cause when I heard the police car I knew they weren't coming after me!
Rats They fought the dogs and killed the cats, And bit the babies in the cradles, And ate the cheeses out of the vats, And licked the soup from the cook's own ladles. Split open the kegs of salted sprats, Made nests inside men's Sunday hats, And even spoiled the women's chats By drowning their speaking With shrieking and squeaking In fifty different sharps and flats.
Ninety eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hardworking, honest Americans. It's the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity. But then, we elected them.
If you have to dry the dishes (Such an awful boring chore) If you have to dry the dishes ('Stead of going to the store) If you have to dry the dishes And you drop one on the floor Maybe they won't let you Dry the dishes anymore
I tell you, that dragon's the most horrible animal I've ever met, but the way Hagrid goes on about it, you'd think it was a fluffy little bunny rabbit.
Dwarves are still the butt of jokes. It's one of the last bastions of acceptable prejudice.