Cyril Northcote Parkinson. 1909 – 1993. British military historian, novelist, playwright, journalist, author of satirical works on problems of business, management and political science.
Quotes:
1. Some kinds of knowledge can only be acquired at the price of torn trousers and bruised elbows.
2. Anyone can be serious, but to make fun, one needs intelligence.
3. The swing, not the outcome, is important for reputation.
4. Perfection is achieved only on the point of collapse.
5. An official wants to multiply subordinates, not rivals.
6. Delay is the deadliest form of denial.
7. Mental development, if any, is roughly measured by the number and quality of books in the home.
8. At a riding school, no one will praise the rider whose horse is bucking even if he does manage to keep in the saddle. No one will because, as we know, a good rider has a horse that doesn’t buck at all.
9. Bureaucracy is a kind of fishing where there is no fish.
10. Marriage is like a joint bank account whereby both partners have to make contributions in order to avoid losing credit.
