Bureaucracy Quote by Eduardo Galeano
“It is highly improbable that the bureaucrat will put his life on the line. It is absolutely impossible that he'll put his job on the line.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Open Veins of Latin America, Eduardo Galeano, 1971
People in power rarely risk personal safety for a cause; they protect their own positions.
In simple terms: Bureaucrats avoid personal risk; protect jobs.
Key Takeaway
Understand systemic reluctance to sacrifice.
Themes
power
risk aversion
politics
institutional inertia
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- corporate decision making
- public service
Key Concepts
self‑preservation
ethical responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do individuals prioritize personal security over collective good?
- What mechanisms can encourage risk‑taking for justice?
A Different Perspective
Even when ideals demand it, personal stakes often dominate decisions.
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