Grown man Quote by Nathanael West
““If you're not very busy, a grown man in the uniform of a Western Union boy should make you feel a little sick.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: "The Man Who Ate the World" by Nathanael West, 1931
The line satirically suggests that a uniformed, bureaucratic figure can evoke discomfort, highlighting the absurdity of authority in everyday life.
In simple terms: Uniformed officials can feel unsettling.
Key Takeaway
Question the comfort of authority.
Themes
satire
authority
discomfort
Mood
wry
critical
Type
satirical
observational
When to use this quote
- workplace
- public services
- political commentary
Key Concepts
bureaucracy
uniforms
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Why does a uniform provoke sickness?
- What does this reveal about power dynamics?
A Different Perspective
Humor may mask deeper societal anxieties.
![“I want to play a man in uniform. I've got tremendous respect for that life that they lead. We know so little about it. It's never discussed or talked about, when they come back from battle. I want to examine the choices that have to be made in those terrible times. [...] I'll get to wear a uniform.” quote by Ben Kingsley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9b0/ben-kingsley-5765_battle_i-want-to-play-a-man-in-uniform-i-ve-got_1868321.jpg)
