"For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen"

The quote by Douglas Adams is an amusing play with the concept of time and expectations. By specifying "For a moment, nothing happened," Adams produces a pause, suggesting the reader's anticipation of something happening. Nevertheless, he humorously subverts this expectation by stating that "after a 2nd or so, nothing continued to happen." This line even more highlights the absence of action or change, highlighting the absurdity of the scenario. Adams utilizes this ironic wordplay to engage the readers, making them question the significance of time and revealing the humorous method he sees the world.