The shortest distance between two points
The shortest distance between two points is under construction
This is a deconstruction of a common phrase. The original phrase is "The shortest distance between two points is a line".
As a side note, the original statement is true under the confines of euclidean geometry, however when you project a globe onto a map, the truth of it breaks down (anyone who has seen an airplane flight path that travels far north or south probably noticed this).
The humor in this joke lies in the fact that the original phrase has been modified to become a pessimistic statement about travel. The assumption that you will always travel slower to any given place than you could go is humorous.
The above explanation makes sense and I am not challenging it. I do, however, want to provide an additional explanation I think also makes sense.
ReplyDelete"The shortest distance between two points is under construction."
Humans are always figuring out ways to expedite travel between two points. Prior to the advent of global travel, the shortest point was under construction - because transcontinental vehicles such as ships and planes, were not yet a reality. They were under construction.
More locally and current, interstates and roads tend to expedite travel between two points. They typically (over time) decrease the distance between two points.
In the future, we can also expect this to be true for yet-to-be conceived forms of travel between two points - such as space travel. This is more akin to the original poster's comments. The shortest distance between two points might very well involve something other than geometry.
There are many perspectives. Other, more metaphorical interpretations, could also apply to non-linear advancement in arts, science, and even learning itself.
I think the answer is open to many interpretations.
That is fair - I hadn't really thought of the possibility of this joke being a pun as well as an ordinary joke.
DeleteGood pull!