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About this quote

What does it mean?
Large hierarchical organizations are dangerous because they blindly follow whoever happens to lead them, regardless of competence.
In plain terms
Big bureaucracies will destroy anything if a fool is in charge.
What can you take from it?
Hierarchies amplify the whims of leaders.

Where it applies

  • corporate decisions
  • government policy
  • military orders

Putting it to work

  • question authority
  • flatten structures

Questions to consider

  • Who controls the bulldozer?
  • How do we check power?

Another view

Some hierarchy is necessary for complex coordination.

More from Edward Abbey

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