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You did what you were told or you didn't get paid, and if…

“You did what you were told or you didn't get paid, and if things went wrong it wasn't your problem. It was the fault of whatever idiot has accepted this message for sending in the first place. No one cared about you, and everyone at headquarters was an idiot. It wasn't your fault, no one listened…” quote by Terry Pratchett
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“You did what you were told or you didn't get paid, and if things went wrong it wasn't your problem. It was the fault of whatever idiot has accepted this message for sending in the first place. No one cared about you, and everyone at headquarters was an idiot. It wasn't your fault, no one listened to you. Headquarters had even started an Employee of the Month scheme to show how much they cared. That was how much they didn't care.”

Terry Pratchett

About This Quote

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

A cynical view of corporate indifference, blaming systemic failures for individual suffering.

In simple terms: Corporate neglect harms workers.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge systemic abuse.

Themes

corporate culture indifference responsibility

Mood

cynical critical

Type

satirical commentary

When to use this quote

  • workplace
  • employee morale
  • management policies

Key Concepts

systems failure blame shifting

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can individuals push for systemic change?
  • What responsibilities do leaders have to staff?
A Different Perspective

It oversimplifies complex organizational dynamics.

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