ZENO of Elea


Ancient Greece, c. 449 BC

ZENO (concluding): ...And so, through various irrefutable examples, I have succeeded in proving that motion does not exist.
MAN: Hold on a second. Motion doesn't exist?
ZENO: That's right. You see, if space can be divided into an infinite number of divisions, it will take an infinite amount of time to traverse them all. Therefore, all motion is just an illusion.


The Olympic Games

ANNOUNCER: And the runners are off! Achilles, the favorite from Parnassus, has taken an early lead...but oh, wait a second! He seems to be taking an infinite amount of time to cross the first yard of the track, as if movement itself were somehow impossible in a non-Parmenidean context! It looks like this veteran sprinter is headed for another heartbreak.
ZENO (in the stands): I can't believe I bought tickets for this.


The Athenian Senate

SENATOR: I move that we adjourn until tomorrow.
ZENO: Motion denied. (Giggles.)
SENATOR: That's what you always say.


In Line at the Multiplex

GIRL: This is great-- I haven't been to the movies since "Schindler's List." Wasn't that film incredibly moving?
ZENO: Moving? Mmmmm...No, I don't think so.
GIRL: (Lapses into silent paralysis.)
ZENO: This line is taking forever.


Todd and Mary's House

TODD: Let's see, we've already invited Bill, Susan and Judy to our cocktail party. What about Zeno?
MARY: I don't think so. Remember what happened last April? Even after the party was over and everyone else had gone home, he still wouldn't leave.
TODD: Okay. Let's invite Apollonious of Perga instead. (Hesitates.) Uh-oh. I can't move.
MARY: Neither can I.


Parked in a Red Zone

POLICEMAN: Sir, I'm afraid you'll have to move your car.
ZENO: Make me.