How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I would have been a Bokononist then, if there had been anyone to teach me the bittersweet lies of Bokonon. (1.10)
Bittersweet lies? And why would the protagonist want to be a Bokononist if he knows it's a religion of lies? Talk about your attention-grabbers. Looks like we'll have to read on to find out.
Quote #2
She was a fool, and so am I, and so is anyone who thinks he sees what God is Doing, [writes Bokonon].
It's odd that a supposed prophet would say such a thing. It's almost as if he's laying bare the device—like a magician letting you in on how a trick works.
Quote #3
Anyone unable to understand how a useful religion can be founded on lies will not understand this book either. (4.5)
Like art, religion might not be real—but that doesn't mean it's not valuable. Here, the narrator seems to be saying the same thing about religion. Check out our "Art and Culture" theme for more.
Quote #4
"[Felix Hoenikker] may have been a modern holy man," [Marvin] added, "but Goddamn if he didn't get everything he ever wanted." (34.3)
It's an interesting choice of words, isn't it? Holy men are supposed to be the opposite of what a scientist is. But here we have a character treating him as just that. See our "Science" theme for more.
Quote #5
"The thing I like," said Hazel, "is they all speak English and they're all Christians. That makes things so much easier." (43.6)
Of course, the irony is that San Lorenzo isn't a Christian country at all. But, since Hazel doesn't know that, she feels completely comfortable there. It's her personal illusion covering the reality of the situation.
Quote #6
It was the belief of Bokonon that good societies could be built only by pitting good against evil, and by keeping the tension between the two high at all times. (47.7)
The religion of Bokonon sets up an "us versus them" or "good versus evil" mentality. The people of San Lorenzo seem to enjoy the game because it aligns them with the side of "us" and "good." And, hey, who doesn't like to be on the good side?
Quote #7
THIS IS A CHRISTIAN NATION! ALL FOOT PLAY WILL BE PUNISHED BY THE HOOK, said another sign. (61.10)
In case we forgot that this is a satirical novel, here's a ridiculous sign to make us laugh and remind us of Vonnegut's concept of granfalloons: the separating of people in groups based on silly differences.
Quote #8
Little Newt snorted. "Religion!"
"Beg your pardon?" Castle said.
"See the cat?" asked Newt. "See the cradle?" (81.27-29)
Another link in the religion-relates-to-art chain. (Remember that right before this Newt was painting a picture of a cat's cradle.)
Quote #9
And what opinion did Bokonon hold of his own cosmogony?
"Foma! Lies!" he wrote. "A pack of foma!" (85.19-20)
Again, Bokonon points out how his religion is just a lie. But, hey, if you like the taste of the Kool-Aid, why not just enjoy it and stop pretending it's juice?
Quote #10
These people made a captive of the spurious holy man named Bokonon. They brought him here, placed him at their center, and commanded him to tell them exactly what God Almighty was up to and what they should now do. The mountebank told them that God was surely trying to kill them, and that they should have the good manners to die. (120.16)
And now for the darker side of religion. Although most of the novel discusses how religion can be a good, decent thing, this section does make you stop and wonder about the power religion can have over people.