If you have read the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, what did you learn?

Question

I have read this book twice now, and I still can't grasp what the main idea in the book was. I did learn that the Universe is really a different place than we imagine, and that there is a high chance that there is life on other planets. The book also had a lot of information on "odds" and how lucky Arthur was to survive, and such. I have also learned about different kinds of culture clashes, and how the Vogons, Humans and other species tried to interact with one another.

I am writing an essay, and I need to include: "Why should other kids read this book?" Could you please help me? Thank you so much.

Answer 1

I think a lot of it is also a commentary on how silly we human beings are sometimes.  If you look closer at some of the "silly" characters and situations in the book, they don't seem too far off from our own world.  Take Zaphod, for example.  He is the president of the galaxy but holds no real power, and was chosen for his looks and his charisma.  It's funny when you read about it, but when you take a closer look he's not that different from some world leaders that we have today.