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Such bureaucrats can neither be hurried in their…

“Such bureaucrats can neither be hurried in their deliberations nor made to see common sense. Indeed, the very absurdity or pedantry of these deliberations is for them the guarantee of their own fair-mindedness, impartiality, and disinterest. To treat all people with equal contempt and indifference…” quote by Theodore Dalrymple
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““Such bureaucrats can neither be hurried in their deliberations nor made to see common sense. Indeed, the very absurdity or pedantry of these deliberations is for them the guarantee of their own fair-mindedness, impartiality, and disinterest. To treat all people with equal contempt and indifference is the bureaucrat’s idea of equity.””

Theodore Dalrymple

About This Quote

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

Bureaucrats claim fairness through endless deliberation, yet this often masks indifference and a false sense of equity.

In simple terms: Bureaucrats hide indifference with endless rules.

Key Takeaway

Question the true purpose behind bureaucratic procedures.

Themes

bureaucracy fairness indifference

Mood

skeptical concerned

Type

political social

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • organizational audits
  • public services

Key Concepts

authority proceduralism social control

Questions to Reflect On

  • What alternatives exist to reduce bureaucratic absurdity?
  • How can fairness be achieved without endless rules?
A Different Perspective

Complex systems may require some deliberation despite flaws.

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