James H. Boren

“Bureaucracy is the art of making the possible impossible.”

“A decision is what a man makes when he can't find anybody to serve on a committee.”

“If it happens, it's possible.”

“When in doubt, mumble.”

“Dynamic inaction is a process of adjusting an organization to the status quo.”

“When in trouble, delegate.”

“A bureaucrat's castle is his desk...and parking place. Proceed cautiously.”

“No matter how often a lie is shown to be a lie, there will remain a percentage of people who believe it is true.”

“When you don't know what to do, walk fast and look worried.”

“Status is more important than productivity.”

“An optimist is a person who has not yet received his morning mail.”

“When in charge, ponder.”

“The greatest threat to the state is not a conspiracy, but a memo.”