This island is made mainly of coal and surrounded by fish. Only an organizing genius could produce a shortage of coal and fish at the same time.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bevan sarcastically attributes coal and fish shortages in the UK to poor organization despite abundant natural resources.
- In plain terms
- He mocks the idea that shortages exist when there is plenty of coal and fish.
- What can you take from it?
- Scarcity often results from mismanagement, not lack of resources.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do resources remain unused?
- Who is responsible for distribution?
Another view
Shortages can arise from external factors beyond local control.
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