Plato And A Platypus Walk Into A Bar.../Thomas Cathcart & Daniel Klein/New York/Abrams Image/2007/200pp/Finished 11/6/2007/Rating: 6
This cute little book is subtitled “Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes” and that’s just what it’s about. Starting with Plato and working all the way up to modern linguistic, economic and social philosophy, this book explains the concepts of philosophy using jokes. The best joke in the book:
Alvin is working in his store when he hears a booming voice from above that says, “Alvin, sell your business!” He ignores it. The voice goes on for days saying, “Alvin, sell your business for three million dollars!” After a week of this, he relents and sells his store.
The voice says, “Alvin, go to Las Vegas!”
Alvin asks why.
“Alvin, just take the three million dollars and go to Las Vegas.”
Alvin obeys, goes to Las Vegas, and visits a casino.
The voice says, “Alvin, go to the blackjack table and put ti all down on one hand!”
Alvin hesitates but gives in. He’s dealt and eighteen. The dealer has a six showing.
“Alvin, take a card!”
“What? The dealer has…”
“Take a card!”
Alvin tells the dealer to hit him, and gets an ace. Nineteen. He breathes easy.
“Alvin, take another card.”
“What?”
“TAKE ANOTHER CARD!”
Alvin asks for another card. It’s another ace. He has twenty.
“Alvin, take another card!” the voice commands.
“I have twenty!” Alvin shouts.
“TAKE ANOTHER CARD!” booms the voice.
“Hit me!” Alvin says. He gets another ace. Twenty-one!
And the booming voice says, “Unbelievable!”
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