# Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kurt-vonneguts-cats-cradle/555406>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [September 28, 2010, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kurt-vonneguts-cats-cradle/555406 "2010-09-28T23:14:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![clarkstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@clarkstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clarkstar)\
**Post date:** [October 1, 2010, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kurt-vonneguts-cats-cradle/555406/21 "2010-10-01T07:24:28Z")

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ive been meaning to buy this book, his books are interesting

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**Author:** ![Mr.Krebbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5fc32e/32.png) [@Mr.Krebbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Krebbs)\
**Post date:** [October 1, 2010, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kurt-vonneguts-cats-cradle/555406/22 "2010-10-01T19:28:14Z")

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As one may be able to tell by my user name, I love this book. On a base level, I do think Vonnegut is arguing the points the OP attributes to him. I haven’t read any formal criticism _Cats Cradle_ lately, so I’ll respond with my personal interpretation.

> [@](#):
>
> 1. the futility and stupidity of humanity

To paraphrase the nuclear scientist, science has sinned by creating a weapon powerful enough to destroy the world. IMHO, ICE-9 is symbolic of the nuclear war in that all it would take is one madman in the right position to end life as we know it. I think Vonnegut’s thrust is that humans collectively are not smart enough to wield the power they have over the planet.

I don’t think the book claims life is futile or that humans are necessarily stupid. It does seem Vonnegut is pointing out the very significant dangers of the course humanity has taken, however.

> [@](#):
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> 1. that all religions are made up and pretty dumb, so why not enjoy this one he made up to make the case

The quote (from the Book of Bokonon) that prefaces the book illustrates the problem with this assertion. I think _Cat’s Cradle_ argues that religion, insomuch as it helps the greater is good, is a good thing - even if the religion itself is false.

If one didn’t care for the humor in _Cat’s Cradle_, I can totally understand one not liking this book. Otherwise, it’s a great read despite its cynicism.

> [@Irishman](#):
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> Thanks, **astorian** , for that joke. That’s excellent.

Seconded.

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**Author:** ![Bamboo\_Boy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/839c29/32.png) [@Bamboo\_Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bamboo_Boy)\
**Post date:** [October 3, 2010, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kurt-vonneguts-cats-cradle/555406/23 "2010-10-03T01:18:11Z")

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> [@Nicest\_of\_the\_Damned](#):
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> > [@Kyla](#):
> >
> > One of my favorite books ever, and definitely my favorite Vonnegut.
> > 
> > No one else agrees with me. ☹
> 
> _Sirens of Titan_ is my favorite too.

Me three! “I am a victim of a series of accidents- as are we all.”

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