All time Quote by Tom Stoppard
“Underneath runs the main current of preoccupation, which is keeping one's nose clean at all times. This means that when things go wrong you have to pass the blame along the line, like pass-the-parcel, till the music stops.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, 1966
People avoid responsibility by shifting blame, passing it along like a game.
In simple terms: Blame is passed to avoid personal fault.
Own your role, stop the blame game.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- workplace conflicts
- family disputes
- team projects
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we default to passing blame?
- How can accountability be fostered?
Blame shifting can erode trust and morale.