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About this quote

What does it mean?
This quote questions the value of literature compared to the vastness of the universe.
In plain terms
Books don't matter in the grand scheme.
What can you take from it?
Literature is small compared to the universe.

Where it applies

  • Philosophy of literature
  • Self-reflection

Putting it to work

  • Contextualizing art
  • Philosophical debate

Questions to consider

  • What makes something important?
  • Does art matter?

Another view

It undervalues the human experience.

More from Kurt Vonnegut

  1. Who is more to be pitied, a writer bound and gagged by policemen or one living in perfect freedom who has nothing more to say?

    Permalink to quote #137
  2. My soul knows my meat is doing bad things, and is embarrassed. But my meat just keeps right on doing bad, dumb things.'

    Permalink to quote #139
  3. Belief is nearly the whole of the Universe, whether based on truth or not.

    Permalink to quote #136

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