It was Trout's fantasy that somebody would be outraged by the footprints. This would give him the opportunity to reply grandly, 'What is it that offends you so? I am simply using man's first printing press. You are reading a bold and universal headline which says ,'I am here, I am here, I am here.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Trout imagines outrage over footprints to allow a grand reply about using man's first printing press to declare existence.
- In plain terms
- He wants to be seen and heard loudly using the simplest tools available.
- What can you take from it?
- Use whatever medium you have to assert your presence.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you announce your presence?
- What tools do you use to be seen?
Another view
Declaring existence loudly may not create meaningful connection.
More from Kurt Vonnegut
Why are so many Americans treated by their government as though their lives were as disposable as paper facial tissue? Because that was the way authors customa…
Permalink to quote #89 Listen: The waitress brought me another drink. She wanted to light my hurricane lamp again. I wouldn't let her. 'Can you see anything in the dark, with your su…
Permalink to quote #91 I was on par with the Creator of the Universe there in the dark in the cocktail lounge. I shrunk the Universe to a ball exactly one light-year in diameter. I h…
Permalink to quote #88
Related quotes
An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.
Martin BuberMartin Buber quote #5 I speak to these people, and I speak to you because I cannot help it. It gives me strength, almost unbelievable strength, to know that you are there. I covet y…
Dave EggersDave Eggers quote #23 The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives.
Anthony RobbinsAnthony Robbins quote #56