"It's funny. All you have to do is say something nobody understands and they'll do practically anything you want them to"

J.D. Salinger's quote, "It's funny. All you have to do is state something no one comprehends and they'll do almost anything you desire them to", offers a sardonic take on humanity's reaction to the odd or the incomprehensible. Initially look, it recommends a funny observation about how individuals tend to react when faced with intricacy or uncertainty. Basically, it points to the psychological phenomenon where people, when confronted with something they do not understand, typically accept presumed authority or competence.

One could interpret this as a review of the propensity to conflate obscurity with intelligence. When somebody articulates an idea or concept that is difficult to grasp, others may attribute a level of credibility or genius to the speaker, merely since they do not comprehend it. This can cause misplaced trust or authority, where individuals follow instructions or adopt beliefs that they do not completely understood, under the assumption that they must be genuine due to their complexity.

Moreover, Salinger's quote highlights the power characteristics at play in interaction and impact. In situations where someone wields knowledge or language that others find difficult to penetrate, they might acquire power over their audience. This can be seen in numerous contexts, such as academic community, politics, or even religious beliefs, where complex language or ideologies are sometimes utilized not just to communicate significance but to maintain control or authority.

The statement also highlights an amusing, albeit cynical, view of social compliance. It recommends that instead of difficult or questioning incomprehensible details, individuals may select the path of least resistance, going along with what they think others comprehend much better than they do. This propensity can result in control or exploitation if individuals do not seriously evaluate the information they encounter.