KISS

Keeping things simple and stupid is, in many instances, a beneficial end.  Unfortunately, in all things governmental, no matter what type, KISS is an anathema.  Theodore Dalrymple understands this, and relates an anecdotal illustration titled “Kafka’s Victory."

Via Gene Expression.

Posted by on 10/24 at 09:54 AM

  1. Kafka might respond with something like this.

    Prisoner K’s shelf held his life’s accumulation: a book of fiction, two pairs of grimly worn socks, an icon of St Boris, and a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Calendar of indeterminate annum.  When the pain came, he lay face to the bars, summoning through the gaps in his teeth a guard.

    “I need to see a medical person,” K said.  “Something hurts.”
    “You may not leave your cell,” the guard said evenly.  “It is the order of the Warden.  I will, however, summon a Doctor to see you.”

    When the doctor arrived, he came into the cell and examined K with only a tongue depressor and a fly swatter.  The tongue depressor was useless but the fly swatter revealed K had a bifurcated adenoid.

    “What is the diagnosis, Doctor?” K inquired.
    “You’re gonna die.”
    “That’s it?”
    “Well,” said the doctor, “There’s always the paperwork.”
    “Yes, “ said K. “There’s always the paperwork.”

    Posted by gary  on  10/24  at  02:30 PM

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