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About this quote

What does it mean?
Vonnegut suggests that literacy and math skills do not grant humanity the right to dominate or conquer the universe.
In plain terms
Reading and math skills do not mean we deserve to control the universe.
What can you take from it?
Intelligence does not justify domination.

Where it applies

  • Discussing human progress
  • Scientific achievement
  • Ethics of discovery

Putting it to work

  • Practice intellectual humility
  • Question entitlement

Questions to consider

  • Does knowledge justify power?
  • Are we too proud?

Another view

Education often leads to claims of superiority.

More from Kurt Vonnegut

  1. 'I wish I had been born a bird instead,' he said. 'I wish we had all been born birds instead.'

    Permalink to quote #150
  2. How embarrassing to be human.

    Permalink to quote #152
  3. She was an alcoholic. I didn't blame myself for that. The worst problem in the life of any alcoholic is alcohol.

    Permalink to quote #149

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