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The goal, Sister Clare had taught them in school, was…

“The goal, Sister Clare had taught them in school, was shorthand so neat and so legible that anyone can pick up your steno book and type your letters for you. So neat and so legible, she had said, smiling at them from within her wimple, that if you elope on your lunch hour, another secretary can…” quote by Alice McDermott
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““The goal, Sister Clare had taught them in school, was shorthand so neat and so legible that anyone can pick up your steno book and type your letters for you. So neat and so legible, she had said, smiling at them from within her wimple, that if you elope on your lunch hour, another secretary can finish your letters for you that afternoon.””

Alice McDermott

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A teacher praises a perfect, legible shorthand, suggesting that even personal communication can be outsourced to efficient systems.

In simple terms: Clear writing can be done by anyone.

Key Takeaway

Embrace tools that simplify work.

Themes

efficiency communication technology

Mood

practical instructive

Type

educational motivational

When to use this quote

  • office work
  • student notes
  • personal letters

Key Concepts

shorthand automation delegation

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is automation too impersonal?
  • Can shortcuts replace authenticity?
A Different Perspective

Overreliance may reduce personal touch.

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