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Time means a lot to me, paperwork wastes it, and I have…

“Time means a lot to me, paperwork wastes it, and I have always been a firm believer in my right to do anything I cannot be stopped from doing. Which sometimes entails not getting caught at it. This is not quite so bad as it sounds, as I am a decent, civilized, likable guy. So, shading my eyes…” quote by Roger Zelazny
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““Time means a lot to me, paperwork wastes it, and I have always been a firm believer in my right to do anything I cannot be stopped from doing. Which sometimes entails not getting caught at it. This is not quite so bad as it sounds, as I am a decent, civilized, likable guy. So, shading my eyes against the blue and fiery afternoon, I began searching for ways to convince the authorities of this. Lying, I decided, was probably best.””

Roger Zelazny

About This Quote

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

The speaker values time, despises bureaucracy, and justifies deception to achieve unstoppable goals, seeing himself as morally decent despite lying.

In simple terms: Time is precious; bureaucracy wastes it; lying is justified for personal freedom.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize efficiency, accept moral ambiguity when needed.

Themes

time efficiency morality individualism

Mood

defiant self‑reflective

Type

philosophical controversial

When to use this quote

  • business negotiations
  • legal loopholes
  • personal projects
  • political activism

Key Concepts

existentialism utilitarianism self‑justification

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is the end always justified by the means?
  • How does self‑perception affect ethical choices?
A Different Perspective

Lying can erode trust and lead to unintended consequences.

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