Cattle Quote by Lois McMaster Bujold
“Cecil flashed a grin. "Quite. Plus your rather irritating habit of treating your superior officers as your, ah..." Cecil paused, apparently groping again for just the right word. "Equals?" Miles hazarded. "Cattle," Cecil corrected judiciously.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Book of the Long Sun, 1993 (dialogue)
Humor and hierarchy clash when subordinates challenge authority with equality.
In simple terms: Equality jokes can expose power dynamics.
Key Takeaway
Use humor wisely to address hierarchy.
Themes
power
humor
equality
Mood
lighthearted
critical
Type
dialogue
fiction
When to use this quote
- workplace
- military
- team meetings
Key Concepts
social dynamics
communication style
Questions to Reflect On
- When is humor appropriate in authority contexts?
- How to balance respect and equality?
A Different Perspective
Humor may be misinterpreted as disrespect.
