The man whose life is devoted to paperwork has lost the initiative. He is dealing with things that are brought to his notice, having ceased to notice anything for himself.
C. Northcote ParkinsonRead
The chief product of an automated society is a widespread and deepening sense of boredom.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Automation can lead to a loss of engagement and excitement in life.
C. Northcote Parkinson's quote reflects on the consequences of an automated society, suggesting that while technology and automation can simplify tasks, they also risk creating a sense of ennui and disconnection among individuals. This commentary highlights the importance of human engagement and the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on technology, emphasizing that in the quest for efficiency, we may lose the vibrancy of life.
Themes
AutomationBoredomSocietyTechnologyEngagement
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the impact of technological advances on daily life.
More from C. Northcote Parkinson
All quotes βThe man who is denied the opportunity of taking decisions of importance begins to regard as important the decisions he is allowed to take.
C. Northcote ParkinsonRead
Delay is the deadliest form of denial.
C. Northcote ParkinsonRead
Parkinson's First Law: Work expands to fill the time available.
C. Northcote ParkinsonRead
Similar quotes
I make up my opinions from facts and reasoning, and not to suit any body but myself. If people don't like my opinions, it makes little difference as I don't solicit their opinions or votes.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
Civility does not ...mean the mere outward gentleness of speech cultivated for the occasion, but an inborn gentleness and desire to do the opponent good.
Mahatma GandhiRead
Whose rights will we acknowledge? Whose human dignity will we respect? For whose well-being will we, as a people, assume responsibility?
Robert CaseyRead
Death is the only pure, beautiful conclusion of a great passion.
D. H. LawrenceRead
None of our prayers should ever be petitions for our own needs: for this is only another subtle way of trying to put ourselves on the same plane as God β acting as if we had no needs, as if we were not creatures, not dependent on Him.
Thomas MertonRead
It is the main earthly business of a human being to make his home, and the immediate surroundings of his home, as symbolic and significant to his own imagination as he can.
Gilbert K. ChestertonRead