Mr. 2nd Comptroller Cutts came into my office to shew me…
![“Mr. 2nd Comptroller Cutts came into my office to shew me the papers in the case of the late Purser Josiah Tatnal, Jr. (I had asked him for copy of the bond). That done, he stated, at cruel length, his difficulty with the Q.[uarter] M.[aster] Genl’s office... He is a polite man, and I think means…” quote by Howard K. Beale](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/192/howard-k-beale-93501_quote_mr-2nd-comptroller-cutts-came-into-my-of_1370684.jpg)
““Mr. 2nd Comptroller Cutts came into my office to shew me the papers in the case of the late Purser Josiah Tatnal, Jr. (I had asked him for copy of the bond). That done, he stated, at cruel length, his difficulty with the Q.[uarter] M.[aster] Genl’s office... He is a polite man, and I think means well, but [is] excessively dull and vain. I really pity him. It is a great misfortune to any gentleman to have no sense.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A polite but dull official is a misfortune for any gentleman lacking discernment.
In simple terms: Dull officials are problematic.
Key Takeaway
Seek competent, engaging partners.
Themes
professionalism
competence
social etiquette
authority
perception
Mood
critical
observational
pragmatic
Type
Comptroller Cutts:0
Misfortune Gentleman:1
2Nd Comptroller:0
Bond Stated:0
Late Purser:0
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- career mentorship
- organizational leadership
Key Concepts
bureaucracy
personality assessment
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- What traits matter more than politeness?
- How can you spot hidden incompetence?
A Different Perspective
Politeness alone doesn't guarantee effectiveness.