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 about 6 years ago
One thing’s for sure, this is not the kingdom of Id!
Darsan54 Premium Member about 6 years ago
Explains a lot in 2016.
Dtroutma about 6 years ago
Camel pot.
wiatr about 6 years ago
And not a watery tart in sight!
in.amongst about 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 about 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 about 6 years ago
They wanted someone of calibre but they’ll settle for someone with excalibur.
danketaz Premium Member about 6 years ago
I think I would have preferred ‘Free to Good Home’.
Scorpio Premium Member about 6 years ago
What is the pay and what are the perks?
garcoa about 6 years ago
That could really hurt someone. Put it back in the rock.
jvo about 6 years ago
I’m guessing the stone doesn’t accept returns.
sandpiper about 6 years ago
He who keeps throwing swords may one day get to the point
Masterskrain about 6 years ago
“It’s NOT SO good to be the King…”
jimchronister2016 about 6 years ago
Right on Wiley! As usual!
NeedaChuckle Premium Member about 6 years ago
Some orange tinted village idiot will come along and take it.
Plods with ...™ about 6 years ago
Will there be a military parade?
Linguist about 6 years ago
Perhaps that’s why it’s called Ex caliber ?
Vilyehm about 6 years ago
If it is free, take the sign.
adenning2 about 6 years ago
But . . . ‘they’ did . . . find someone stupid, that is . . .https://www.gocomics.com/nonsequitur/2018/09/22
Richard S Russell Premium Member about 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 about 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 about 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 about 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 about 6 years ago
“No one expects the Spanish Inquisition” Monty Python
comixbomix about 6 years ago
So…that’s how it happened…
GreenT267 about 6 years ago
Where’s Brave Sir Robin when you need him?
DCBakerEsq about 6 years ago
Well, I didn’t vote for you.
Bookworm about 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 about 6 years ago
Put. the sword. back…
Jml58 about 6 years ago
A person who will go to the lengths needed to be elected president, can not be trusted with the office.
bakana about 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 about 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 about 6 years ago
If nominated, I will not run, and if elected, I will not serve.