I have a sense of humor; but over the years that sense has developed one blind spot. I can no longer laugh at ignorance or stupidity. Those are our chief enemies, and it is dangerous to make fun of them.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing ignorance as a serious issue, rather than simply a subject for humor.
Charles Francis Richter highlights the evolution of his sense of humor over the years, noting that while he still enjoys laughter, he has developed a critical view towards ignorance and stupidity. He suggests that mocking these traits can be dangerous because they are significant societal problems that demand awareness and understanding rather than ridicule.
In practice
During a speech about critical thinking, this quote can highlight the risks of ignoring ignorance.
Magnitude may be compared to the power output in kilowatts of a [radio] broadcasting station; local intensity, on the Mercalli or similar scale, is then comparable to the signal strength noted on a receiver at a given locality. Intensity, like signal strength, will generally fall off with distance from the source; it will also depend on local conditions at the point of observation, and to some extent on the conditions along the path from source to that point.
Refining is inevitable in science when you have made measurements of a phenomenon for a long period of time.
Only fools, liars, and charlatans predict earthquakes
I often quote myself. It adds spice to my conversation.
McDonald's breakfast for under a dollar is actually more expensive than that. You have to factor in the cost of bypass surgery.
Golf is the ultimate avoidance activity for the dysfunctional dad. A game so nonsensically difficult, so pointless, so irrationally time consuming, the word golf itself can only stand for ‘Get Out, Leave Family.’
If you keep on drinking rum, the world will soon be quit of a very dirty scoundrel!
When you make a TV show, they always say you're a guest in someone's home. Online, you're a guest in someone's face. So that's why I try to make it sound and look and feel very inviting and attractive, because I know that I'm in your face.
If one has no sense of humor, one is in trouble.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.