Third world Quote by J. Maarten Troost
““Fortunately, due to a terrible misunderstanding, I soon found myself working as a consultant to the World Bank. I am not exactly sure what it was that led the World Bank to believe I had any expertise in infrastructure finance. I had never even balanced a checkbook. I hadn’t even tried. There is not much reason to balance a checkbook when your checking account rarely tops the three-figure mark. And so, to the Third World countries who had the misfortune of working with me on their infrastructure projects, I wish to apologize.””
About This Quote
Source Travelogue: The Sex Lives of Cannibals, 2004
Misunderstandings led to a consulting role I was unqualified for; I apologize to those affected.
In simple terms: Admitted incompetence and apologized.
Key Takeaway
Own mistakes, seek forgiveness.
Themes
humor
humility
miscommunication
accountability
Mood
self‑deprecating
reflective
Type
memoir
comedic
When to use this quote
- consulting
- development aid
- career planning
Key Concepts
career mishaps
cultural misunderstanding
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you verify expertise before accepting work?
- What steps rebuild trust after failure?
A Different Perspective
May reflect personal bias.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
