Ability Quote by Tom Walsh
““Our culture doesn't seem to value competence as much as it used to. Now we seem to want to do and get everything as quickly as possible, which often leads to mediocre work and products. It seems to be the exception to find people at stores and businesses who are actually able to help us thoroughly with whatever problems we may have. We accept poor service and poor workmanship as if we deserve it--and when we decide to make a stand about something, it usually has to do with price or rudeness, but not about competence.””
About This Quote
Society prioritizes speed over skill, leading to mediocre outcomes and acceptance of poor service.
In simple terms: People value quick results over competence, causing low quality work.
Key Takeaway
Demand higher standards and patience for quality.
Themes
competence
speed
quality
consumer expectations
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
social commentary
observation
When to use this quote
- shopping
- customer service
- product development
- workplace culture
Key Concepts
efficiency
trade‑offs
market pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance speed with competence?
- What incentives improve service quality?
A Different Perspective
Speed alone cannot guarantee quality; deeper expertise is needed.
![“He [John Summerson] wrote that Georgian buildings, in particular, did not rely on an 'irrecoverable sense of craftsmanship for the pleasure they give. Personally I find great enhancement in reconstructed classical architecture. I like the new, sharp-cut masonry of Peckwater quadrangle at Christ…” quote by Geoffrey Tyack](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/58b/geoffrey-tyack-174794_architectural-conser_he-john-summerson-wrote-that-georgian-bu_1086669.jpg)
