Government proposes, bureaucracy disposes. And the bureaucracy must dispose of government proposals by dumping them on us.
P. J. O'RourkeRead
Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Choose your reading material wisely, as it reflects on you even in life’s unexpected moments.
This quote humorously suggests that we should always choose to read something that enhances our reputation, even in unforeseen circumstances such as death. It highlights the value we place on appearances and how our interests and choices, even in private moments like reading, can define us and what we wish to convey to others about ourselves.
Themes
ReadingEducationAppearanceHumorWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
Inspiring students at a literary event to appreciate the importance of their reading choices.
More from P. J. O'Rourke
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Anyone who thinks he has a better idea of what's good for people than people do is a swine.
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Hubris is one of the great renewable resources.
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