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
The whole foundation of Christianity is based on the idea that intellectualism is the work of the Devil. Remember the apple on the tree? Okay, it was the Tree of Knowledge. You eat this apple, you're going to be as smart as God. We can't have that.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the conflict between knowledge and religious belief.
Frank Zappa's quote provocatively suggests that the foundation of Christianity, and by extension many religious beliefs, stems from a distrust of intellectualism. By referencing the biblical story of Adam and Eve, Zappa evokes the idea that the pursuit of knowledge is often seen as dangerous or forbidden, implying that systems of belief may seek to suppress critical thinking and enlightenment for fear of losing control over their followers.
Themes
IntellectualismKnowledgeReligionCritiqueBeliefs
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about faith and reason, this quote might be used to illustrate skepticism towards anti-intellectual attitudes.
More from Frank Zappa
All quotes →The richest people in the world aren't particularly smart or happy. And the happiest people in the world aren't particularly smart or rich.… That leaves me making music. But we can't talk about that.
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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.
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Don't mind your make-up, you'd better make your mind up.
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Music is always a commentary on society.
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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.
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