"The goal of all inanimate objects is to resist man and ultimately defeat him"
Russell Baker
"The goal of all inanimate objects is to resist man and ultimately defeat him"
Russell Baker
The quote, "The goal of all inanimate objects is to resist man and ultimately defeat him," is attributed to Russell Baker, born on 14th August 1925. Baker was an American journalist, humorist, and author, best known for his long-running column in The New York Times and for winning two Pulitzer Prizes—one for commentary and another for his autobiography, Growing Up.
This quote reflects Baker's sharp wit and his ability to find humor in the mundane aspects of everyday life. It personifies inanimate objects, suggesting they have a will or purpose that is actively working against humans. Of course, Baker did not literally believe that objects have intentions; rather, he used this notion to humorously express the common frustration people feel when dealing with malfunctioning or uncooperative things, like a stubborn jar lid, a car that won’t start, or technology that refuses to work as expected.
The quote taps into a universal experience—everyone has had moments when it feels like the world, or at least the objects within it, is conspiring against them. Whether it’s the struggle with a jammed door or a computer that crashes at the worst possible moment, these instances can make even the most patient person feel defeated. Baker's humor lies in his exaggeration of this everyday frustration, turning it into a cosmic battle between humans and the objects they rely on.
On a deeper level, the quote could also be seen as a commentary on the limitations of human control and technology. Despite advances in engineering and design, there remains an unpredictability in how things function, reminding us that, no matter how much we try to master our environment, we are still subject to the whims of chance and the occasional stubbornness of inanimate objects.
Baker’s lighthearted approach to such frustrations invites readers to laugh at themselves and the minor absurdities of life. It’s a reminder not to take these small battles too seriously, as they are part of the human experience. His ability to turn these common irritations into a source of humor is a testament to his skill as a writer and observer of life’s quirks.
In essence, this quote encapsulates Russell Baker's talent for finding humor in the frustrations of everyday life, reminding us to approach these inevitable annoyances with a sense of humor and perspective.