Meaning: The quote "I shot with it a lot. I still do now. That is why I am hard of hearing" is attributed to Mikhail Kalashnikov, the inventor of the famous AK-47 assault rifle. This quote reflects the personal experience of the inventor and sheds light on the physical consequences of his creation. It is a poignant and somewhat ironic statement that highlights the unintended personal impact of his invention.

Mikhail Kalashnikov was a Soviet general and military engineer who designed the AK-47 rifle in 1947. The rifle quickly became one of the most widely used firearms in the world due to its reliability, ease of use, and low production cost. The AK-47's widespread adoption made it an iconic symbol of revolutionary movements, military conflicts, and guerrilla warfare.

The quote "I shot with it a lot. I still do now. That is why I am hard of hearing" reveals the personal connection Kalashnikov had with his invention. It suggests that he actively used the rifle himself, possibly in military training or testing scenarios. The fact that he admits to being hard of hearing due to his prolonged use of the firearm underscores the physical toll that his invention had on him.

This quote provides a rare glimpse into the human side of an inventor whose creation had a significant impact on global military and political landscapes. It humanizes Kalashnikov and forces us to consider the personal cost of creating a weapon that has had such far-reaching consequences.

The AK-47's reputation as a reliable and durable weapon is well-documented, and its use in various conflicts and military operations around the world has contributed to its notoriety. The rifle's design was revolutionary for its time, featuring a simple and robust construction that allowed for easy maintenance and operation even in harsh conditions. These qualities made it a weapon of choice for many armed forces and non-state actors alike.

However, the widespread availability and use of the AK-47 also brought about significant humanitarian concerns. Its use in conflicts and its availability to non-state actors and criminal elements have led to countless casualties and contributed to instability in various regions. The quote from Kalashnikov himself serves as a reminder of the personal toll that can be associated with the creation and use of such a powerful weapon.

In conclusion, the quote "I shot with it a lot. I still do now. That is why I am hard of hearing" by Mikhail Kalashnikov offers a thought-provoking insight into the personal experience of the inventor of the AK-47 rifle. It humanizes Kalashnikov and prompts us to consider the individual impact of creating a weapon that has had such a profound global influence. The quote serves as a reminder of the complex and often unintended consequences of technological innovations, especially in the realm of military weaponry.