Meaning: This quote by Johnny Carson, the legendary comedian and television host, offers a thought-provoking and humorous reflection on the fleeting nature of human attention and the inevitability of death. The juxtaposition of the physiological fact about hair and fingernail growth after death with the wry observation about the decline in phone calls presents a clever and thought-provoking commentary on the way people interact with and remember the deceased.

The first part of the quote, "For days after death hair and fingernails continue to grow," refers to a commonly held belief that after death, the body undergoes certain changes, including the appearance of continued hair and nail growth. This assertion, however, is not entirely accurate. After death, the skin around the hair and nails retracts, creating the illusion that they are growing. In reality, the cessation of metabolic processes means that the hair and nails do not actually continue to grow after death. This misconception has been perpetuated for centuries and has become a part of popular culture, often serving as a macabre and fascinating detail in discussions about death and the human body.

The second part of the quote, "but phone calls taper off," introduces a stark contrast to the physical aspect of death. This phrase humorously highlights the profound shift in human behavior and attention that occurs when someone passes away. Initially, there is often an outpouring of support and communication from friends, family, and acquaintances. However, as time passes, the frequency of phone calls and messages diminishes, reflecting the transient nature of human connection and the way in which people move on with their lives.

Johnny Carson's choice to connect these two disparate ideas in a single sentence is characteristic of his comedic style. By juxtaposing a scientific fact with a mundane social observation, Carson prompts his audience to consider the absurdity of life and death. The quote serves as a reminder that even in the face of mortality, humor and irony can be found.

The underlying message of the quote speaks to the human experience of grappling with mortality and the passing of time. It underscores the fleeting nature of our existence and the transient quality of human attention and memory. In doing so, it encourages reflection on the value of human connection and the ways in which we choose to remember and honor those who have passed away.

In the context of Carson's larger body of work, this quote exemplifies his ability to use humor to explore deep and universal themes. Throughout his career, Carson's wit and insight endeared him to audiences, and his ability to find humor in the human condition made him a beloved figure in popular culture.

Ultimately, Johnny Carson's quote about the postmortem growth of hair and nails and the decline of post-death phone calls is a poignant and amusing reflection on the quirks of human nature and the inevitability of mortality. It serves as a reminder to appreciate the connections we have while we are alive and to find humor in the paradoxes and idiosyncrasies of life.