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About this quote

What does it mean?
Choosing between water brands while crawling in the Sahara is a meaningless choice given the dire situation.
In plain terms
When in a desperate situation, small preferences do not matter.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize basic needs over minor preferences in crises.

Where it applies

  • crisis management
  • decision making
  • perspective shifting

Putting it to work

  • focus on essentials
  • assess context before choosing

Questions to consider

  • What matters most in a crisis?
  • When do choices become irrelevant?

Another view

The metaphor is extreme and may not apply to moderate situations.

More from Alan Bennett

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  2. Headmaster: I have never understood this liking for war. It panders to instincts already catered for within the scope of any respectable domestic establishment.

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  3. Polly: Education with socialists, it's like sex, all right as long as you don't have to pay for it.

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