Big things Quote by Paul Theroux
“The larger an English industry was, the more likely it was to go bankrupt, because the English were not naturally corporate people; they disliked working for others and they seemed to resent taking orders. On the whole, directors were treated absurdly well, and workers badly, and most industries were weakened by class suspicion and false economies and cynicism. But the same qualities that made English people seem stubborn and secretive made them, face to face, reliable and true to their word. I thought: The English do small things well and big things badly.”
About This Quote
The quote critiques England’s industrial culture, suggesting that a preference for individualism and distrust of hierarchy hindered large‑scale corporate success, while also noting a paradoxical reliability in personal dealings.
In simple terms: English industry struggled due to anti‑corporate attitudes, yet individuals were dependable.
Key Takeaway
Cultural traits can both limit and empower economic outcomes.
Themes
Industrial history
Cultural psychology
Leadership
Workplace dynamics
National character
Mood
Reflective
Critical
Observational
Type
Analytical
Historical
Cultural
When to use this quote
- Analyzing historical business failures
- Comparing national work cultures
- Assessing leadership styles
- Studying class relations
Key Concepts
Individualism
Corporate governance
Class tension
Reliability
Practical Applications
- Business strategy analysis
- Cultural consulting
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural attitudes shape economic structures?
- Can reliability at a personal level offset systemic inefficiencies?
