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I see Professionalism as a spreading disease of the…

“I see Professionalism as a spreading disease of the present-day world, a sort of poly-oligarchy by which various groups (subway conductors, social workers, bricklayers) can bring things to a halt if their particular demands are not met. (Meanwhile, the irrelevance of each profession increases, in…” quote by Ted Nelson
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“I see Professionalism as a spreading disease of the present-day world, a sort of poly-oligarchy by which various groups (subway conductors, social workers, bricklayers) can bring things to a halt if their particular demands are not met. (Meanwhile, the irrelevance of each profession increases, in proportion to its increasing rigidity.) Such lucky groups demand more in each go-round - but meantime, the number who are permanently unemployed grows and grows.”

Ted Nelson

About This Quote

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

Professionalism can become a rigid, obstructive force, increasing unemployment.

In simple terms: Rigidity in professions harms jobs.

Key Takeaway

Promote flexibility and interdisciplinary skills.

Themes

work rigidity unemployment professionalism

Mood

critical analytical

Type

sociological economic

When to use this quote

  • job training
  • policy reform
  • career planning

Key Concepts

economics social structure labor markets

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can institutions reduce professional rigidity?
  • What alternatives exist to traditional professionalism?
A Different Perspective

Flexibility may be hard to implement.

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