Books Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“DEPUTY, n. A male relative of an office-holder, or of his bondsman. The deputy is commonly a beautiful young man, with a red necktie and an intricate system of cobwebs extending from his nose to his desk. When accidentally struck by the janitor's broom, he gives off a cloud of dust. Chief Deputy, the Master cried, To-day the books are to be tried By experts and accountants who Have been commissioned to go through Our office here, to see if we Have stolen injudiciously. Please have the proper entries made, The proper balances displayed, Conforming to the whole amount Of cash on hand --which they will count. I've long admired your punctual way -- Here at the break and close of day, Confronting in your chair the crowd Of business men, whose voices loud And gestures violent you quell By some mysterious, calm spell -- Some magic lurking in your look That brings the noisiest to book And spreads a holy and profound Tranquillity o'er all around. So orderly all's done that they Who came to”
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Deputy” by Ambrose Bierce, 1889
A satirical portrait of a bureaucratic official who appears impressive but is ultimately a hollow, ineffective figure.
In simple terms: A bureaucrat looks impressive but does nothing useful.
Key Takeaway
Beware of style without substance.
Themes
bureaucracy
satire
illusion
power
appearance
Mood
skeptical
ironic
Type
satirical
critical
observational
When to use this quote
- government office
- public administration
- leadership evaluation
Key Concepts
institutional critique
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true competence look like?
- How can we see beyond appearances?
A Different Perspective
The description may exaggerate for humor, not reflecting real duties.
