January 12, 2021
Thought for the Day
“A
humble clerk in Whitehall had a bright idea one day. In his office were scores of ancient files
crammed with out dated and wholly worthless
correspondence. Why not burn the
lot, and thus make room for recent letters?
“Greatly
daring, the clerk ventured to suggest this, doing so in true bureaucratic style,
for he submitted his proposal in the form of a chit which was duly sent to
his immediate superior.
“As
that individual heartily agreed, he endorsed that chit, and forwarded it to his
superior, who sent it to another department.
Thus the idea worked its way to the supreme authority, and in the fullness
of time, the chit returned to the humble clerk.
“’Your
recommendation is approved, declared the Big Chief. The files you referred to
in your communication of the 8th may be destroyed provided that
copies are made of all papers beforehand.’”