... and finally there came the customer we'd always…
““... and finally there came the customer we'd always dreamed of, who wanted us as consultants. To be a consultant is the ideal work, the sort from which you derive prestige and money without dirtying your hands, or breaking your backbone, or running the risk of ending up roasted or poisoned: all you have to do is take off your smock, put on your tie, listen in attentive silence to the problem, and then you'll feel like the Delphic oracle. You must then weigh your reply very carefully and formulate it in convoluted, vague language so that the customer also considers you an oracle, worthy of his faith and the rates set by the Chemists' Society.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Consultancy is portrayed as a glamorous, risk‑free façade that masks moral compromise and vague expertise.
In simple terms: Consultants seem prestigious but hide ethical shortcuts.
Key Takeaway
Beware of empty expertise.
Themes
ethics
power
professionalism
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
cautionary
reflective
When to use this quote
- business meetings
- client pitches
- advice giving
- career decisions
Key Concepts
consultancy
prestige
moral hazard
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value substance over style?
- How can you maintain honesty in advisory roles?
A Different Perspective
The allure can lead to loss of integrity and trust.