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The only thing nicer than a phone that didn't ring all the time (or indeed at all) was six phones that didn't ring all the time (or indeed at all).
Douglas Adams
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote humorously suggests that silence and lack of interruptions are preferable to even multiple phones that are also silent.

Douglas Adams uses this quote to playfully highlight the irony of modern communication devices that often create more noise and disturbance than they provide convenience. The remark suggests that true peace comes from moments of silence and lesser distractions, even poking fun at the idea that having more devices doesn't necessarily enhance one’s quality of life.

Themes

SilencePhonesDistractionHumorCommunication

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech on technology's impact, one might use this quote to emphasize the value of taking breaks from devices.

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