Business Quote by Tom Reiss
![“January 18, 1797 GENERAL, I have learned that the jack ass whose business it is to report to you upon the battle of the 27th [the 27 Nivôse, i.e., January 16] stated that I stayed in observation throughout that battle. I don’t wish any such observation on him, since he would have shit in his…” quote by Tom Reiss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/381/tom-reiss-15466_business_january-18-1797-general-i-have-learned-t_1433972.jpg)
““January 18, 1797 GENERAL, I have learned that the jack ass whose business it is to report to you upon the battle of the 27th [the 27 Nivôse, i.e., January 16] stated that I stayed in observation throughout that battle. I don’t wish any such observation on him, since he would have shit in his pants. Salute and Brotherhood! ALEX. DUMAS””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Tom Reiss discussing historical anecdotes, 2020
Uses absurd humor to illustrate the chaos of military reporting and camaraderie
In simple terms: Funny exaggeration of a soldier’s experience
Key Takeaway
Recognize absurdity in chaotic situations
Themes
humor
military life
camaraderie
Mood
lighthearted
irreverent
Type
anecdotal
humorous
When to use this quote
- war diaries
- military memoirs
- team building exercises
- stress relief training
Key Concepts
satire
exaggeration
historical anecdote
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this exaggeration reveal about morale?
- When is humor appropriate in recounting trauma?
A Different Perspective
Humor may downplay serious hardships
![“GENERAL, I have learned that the jack ass whose business it is to report to you upon the battle of the 27th [the 27 Nivôse, i.e., January 16] stated that I was only in observation throughout the battle. I don't wish any such observation on him, for he would have shit in his pants. Salute and…” quote by Tom Reiss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cd9/tom-reiss-15466_business_general-i-have-learned-that-the-jack-ass_2550670.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
