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God almighty Quote by George Bailey

“Perhaps the Hungarian humorist Ferencz Karinthy captures the spirit of the situation best in a tableau about a bored businessman who amuses himself by looking through high-powered binoculars from his office high in a skyscraper into neighbouring office rooms. On one occasion he spies a middle-aged…” quote by George Bailey
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““Perhaps the Hungarian humorist Ferencz Karinthy captures the spirit of the situation best in a tableau about a bored businessman who amuses himself by looking through high-powered binoculars from his office high in a skyscraper into neighbouring office rooms. On one occasion he spies a middle-aged executive chasing a comely secretary around his desk. As it happens the observers knows the building in which this drama is taking place and can even make out the name of the occupant from the plaque on his desk. He consults the telephone directory and gives the culprit, who is still trying to force his attentions on the secretary, a ring. When the culprit answers the telephone the observer announces himself as God Almighty and tells him to stop molesting the young woman in his employ. The culprit, thunderstruck and unable to account fo the observer's exact knowledge of what has been going on, fall son his knees in a paroxysm of fear and wonder and begs forgiveness. The observer roundly berates the culprit who swears he will do anything to make amends and promises never to sin again. Hereupon the observer informs the culprit that he can indeed make amends by lending him 100 pengo [dollars]. The answer, of course is a burst of profanity and the abrupt termination of the call. Karinthy then draws his moral: if you want to play God don't try to borrow money...””

George Bailey

About This Quote

Source Story: Short story by Ferencz Karinthy, early 20th century satire

A man pretends to be God to stop a boss’s harassment, then offers money as a test of power, revealing the absurdity of playing deity without responsibility.

In simple terms: Pretending to be God to punish others is foolish without real authority.

Key Takeaway

Don’t assume moral authority without accountability.

Themes

power morality authority humor

Mood

ironic critical thought‑provoking

Type

satirical ethical humorous

When to use this quote

  • office harassment
  • abuse of power
  • ethical dilemmas
  • role‑playing authority
  • testing limits

Key Concepts

satire ethical paradox social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities come with moral authority?
  • How can we address abuse without exploiting power?
A Different Perspective

The joke relies on absurdity; real‑world power dynamics are more complex and often lack clear “God‑like” intervention.

3.3 out of 5 (7 ratings)

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