C. Northcote Parkinson is most famous for his eponymous “law” that “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion”. But that was just one of several insightful essays in his book Parkinson’s Law, and Other Studies in Administration.
One of them dealt with the ideal help-wanted job description, which would be tailored so precisely as to produce exactly 1 applicant, the perfect person for the job. As an example, he cited a hypothetical ad for prime minister of the UK, which concluded with the information that, after a year on the job, the PM would be roasted alive and eaten by members of his cabinet. (Keeps out the riff-raff, you know.)
The first requirement for any political office should be that the candidate see the job as a responsibility, rather than a privilege, (ie: don’t want it!).
In his book, Sky Island, L. Frank Baum (creator of Oz) wrote of a country where the queen lived in near poverty in a run-down hut, wore simple clothing while her subjects dressed to the nines, was dearly beloved because of her simplicity. Why don’t we try that hway ere?
I think it was Terry Pratchett (in one of his Discworld novels) who wrote that you wouldn’t want the guy who could pull a sword out of a stone as king. You’d want the man who put it in the stone.
whataboytjiex2 almost 6 years ago
One thing’s for sure, this is not the kingdom of Id!
Dtroutma almost 6 years ago
Camel pot.
wiatr almost 6 years ago
And not a watery tart in sight!
in.amongst almost 6 years ago
That slot makes it look like a stone piggy bank. So essentially you r getting a sword and a Super PAC for free.
keenanthelibrarian almost 6 years ago
Hindsight is a great thing. Knowing what happened to Arthur and his knights (according to Mallory, at least), I reckon I’d just leave it there.
Superfrog almost 6 years ago
They wanted someone of calibre but they’ll settle for someone with excalibur.
danketaz Premium Member almost 6 years ago
I think I would have preferred ‘Free to Good Home’.
Scorpio Premium Member almost 6 years ago
What is the pay and what are the perks?
garcoa almost 6 years ago
That could really hurt someone. Put it back in the rock.
jvo almost 6 years ago
I’m guessing the stone doesn’t accept returns.
sandpiper almost 6 years ago
He who keeps throwing swords may one day get to the point
Masterskrain almost 6 years ago
“It’s NOT SO good to be the King…”
jimchronister2016 almost 6 years ago
Right on Wiley! As usual!
NeedaChuckle Premium Member almost 6 years ago
Some orange tinted village idiot will come along and take it.
Plods with ...™ almost 6 years ago
Will there be a military parade?
Linguist almost 6 years ago
Perhaps that’s why it’s called Ex caliber ?
Vilyehm almost 6 years ago
If it is free, take the sign.
adenning2 almost 6 years ago
But . . . ‘they’ did . . . find someone stupid, that is . . .https://www.gocomics.com/nonsequitur/2018/09/22
Richard S Russell Premium Member almost 6 years ago
C. Northcote Parkinson is most famous for his eponymous “law” that “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion”. But that was just one of several insightful essays in his book Parkinson’s Law, and Other Studies in Administration.
One of them dealt with the ideal help-wanted job description, which would be tailored so precisely as to produce exactly 1 applicant, the perfect person for the job. As an example, he cited a hypothetical ad for prime minister of the UK, which concluded with the information that, after a year on the job, the PM would be roasted alive and eaten by members of his cabinet. (Keeps out the riff-raff, you know.)
RighteeTightee almost 6 years ago
I don’t know. No EULA to click through. No OSHA warning. No DRM hack past. Is it covered by the second amendment? Think I’ll pass on this job.
Omniman almost 6 years ago
The first requirement for any political office should be that the candidate see the job as a responsibility, rather than a privilege, (ie: don’t want it!).
magicwalnut Premium Member almost 6 years ago
In his book, Sky Island, L. Frank Baum (creator of Oz) wrote of a country where the queen lived in near poverty in a run-down hut, wore simple clothing while her subjects dressed to the nines, was dearly beloved because of her simplicity. Why don’t we try that hway ere?
feverjr Premium Member almost 6 years ago
“No one expects the Spanish Inquisition” Monty Python
comixbomix almost 6 years ago
So…that’s how it happened…
GreenT267 almost 6 years ago
Where’s Brave Sir Robin when you need him?
DCBakerEsq almost 6 years ago
Well, I didn’t vote for you.
Bookworm almost 6 years ago
I think it was Terry Pratchett (in one of his Discworld novels) who wrote that you wouldn’t want the guy who could pull a sword out of a stone as king. You’d want the man who put it in the stone.
ChessPirate almost 6 years ago
Put. the sword. back…
Jml58 almost 6 years ago
A person who will go to the lengths needed to be elected president, can not be trusted with the office.
bakana almost 6 years ago
It’s one of those jobs that you should Never give to anyone who Wants it.
Drag him/her kicking and screaming into the office.
RonBerg13 Premium Member almost 6 years ago
Yeah… anyone who wants to be president is crazy – just look at the last 50 years.
I’d accept anyone who DIDN’T want the job, but thats kinda oxymoronic…
RonBerg13 Premium Member almost 6 years ago
If nominated, I will not run, and if elected, I will not serve.