I had hoped, as a broadcaster, to be merely ludicrous, but this is a hard world to be ludicrous in, with so many human beings so reluctant to laugh, so incapable of thought, so eager to believe and snarl and hate.
Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s quote from "Mother Night" reflects the challenges of being a broadcaster in a society that often resists humor and critical thinking. He expresses a desire to be seen as simply absurd, yet acknowledges the difficulty of doing so when people are inclined to take themselves and their beliefs too seriously. This yearning for ludicrousness highlights the tension between the desire for levity and the harsh realities of human nature.
The quote also delves into the darker aspects of humanity, pointing out how individuals can be quick to embrace hostility instead of laughter. Vonnegut’s insight suggests a struggle to navigate a world filled with individuals who may be more inclined to react with anger or intolerance than to engage with a sense of humor or open-mindedness. In this context, his wish to bring levity is met with the stark realization that many are resistant to it.
