Great satire from Scott Adams

Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, penned a fantastic satire piece for the Wall Street Journal today. At least I think it's satire. Actually, you know what, I'm pretty sure it's not satire. It's actually the sanest, most level-headed piece of macroeconomic analysis I've read all year. Jesus, we're screwed.

Imagine a parallel universe where employees enjoy going to work. They feel empowered and fulfilled—so much so that they don't care about the size of their paychecks and never want to leave their jobs. That's exactly the sort of nightmare scenario that would destroy the economy. The last thing this world needs is a bunch of dopey-happy workers who can't stop humming and grinning. Our system requires a continuous supply of highly capable people who are so disgruntled with their jobs that they are willing to chew off their own arms to escape their bosses. The economy needs hamster-brained sociopaths in management to drive down the opportunity cost of entrepreneurship. Luckily, we're blessed with an ample supply.

To put it in plainer terms: The primary purpose of management is to kill any hope that staying in your current job will work out for you. That sort of hope is like gravel in the engine of progress. The economy needs workers who are fed up, desperate and willing to quit their jobs for something better. Remember, only quitters can be winners, because you can't do something great until first you quit doing something that isn't.

"Only quitters can be winners, because you can't do something great until first you quit doing something that isn't". I'm gonna just go ahead and make that an honorary "Quote of the Week" recipient. Well done, Scott Adams. Well done.


[Wall Street Journal]