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The food we were given was no more than eatable, but the…

“The food we were given was no more than eatable, but the patron was not mean about drink; he allowed us two litres of wine a day each, knowing that if a plongeur is not given two litres he will steal three.” quote by George Orwell
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““The food we were given was no more than eatable, but the patron was not mean about drink; he allowed us two litres of wine a day each, knowing that if a plongeur is not given two litres he will steal three.””

George Orwell

About This Quote

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

The narrator notes that while food was barely edible, wine was plentiful, implying that generosity in drink can prevent theft.

In simple terms: Generous drink stops theft.

Key Takeaway

Offer enough drink to reduce theft.

Themes

generosity resource allocation human behavior

Mood

pragmatic reflective

Type

observational social commentary

When to use this quote

  • prison meals
  • hospital wards
  • military rations
  • hostel kitchens
  • festival catering

Key Concepts

social economics incentive theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • Could generosity in one area lead to excess elsewhere?
  • What balance prevents waste?
A Different Perspective

If wine is excessive, it may cause other problems.

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