Short story about intelligent alien life mocking humans

Question

There is a short story I read a while back, in which intelligent alien life form discuss whether to include human beings into some kind of advanced society if life forms. But humans are mocked for conducting nuclear tests on earth rather than in space. I can't remember the title or the author. Appreciate any help. Thanks

Answer 1

Possibly Silly Asses by Isaac Asimov. It's a very short story as you describe. It ends:

But if they have thermonuclear power, where then do they conduct their tests and detonations?”

“On their own planet, sir.”

Naron rose to his full twenty feet of height and thundered, “On their own planet?”

“Yes, sir.”

Slowly Naron drew out his stylus and passed a line through the latest addition in the smaller book. It was an unprecedented act, but, then, Naron was very wise and could see the inevitable as well as anyone in the galaxy. “Silly asses,” he muttered.

The story is probably also the subject of the question Short story about humans entering the galactic civilization although the answer to that question was never accepted.

Answer 2

For humor's sake, They're Made out of Meat might deserve mention. That story doesn't touch upon nuclear testing, but it is pretty darn funny, and it definitely has more of a mocking tone. 😄 Full text available at the link.