Bierce, Ambrose -- “Consult,” The Cynic’s Word Book (1906)

Dave — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 22:20:43 +0000

CONSULT, v.t. To seek another’s approval to a course already decided on.

Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914?) American writer and journalist
“Consult,” The Cynic’s Word Book (1906)
(Source)

Included in The Devil's Dictionary (1911). Originally published in the "Devil's Dictionary" column in the San Francisco Wasp (1881-08-26).

Acheson, Dean -- “Acheson’s Rule of Bureaucracy”

Dave — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 00:24:15 +0000

A memorandum is written not to inform the reader but to protect the writer.

Dean Acheson (1893–1971) American statesman
“Acheson’s Rule of Bureaucracy”
(Source)

Quoted in Alan Otten, "Politics and People: More Rules," Wall Street Journal (1977-09-08). Paul Dickson's The Official Rules (1978), indicates that it was recalled by Harold P. Smith for Otten.

WIST Quotations

Bierce, Ambrose -- “Consult,” The Cynic’s Word Book (1906)

Acheson, Dean -- “Acheson’s Rule of Bureaucracy”