Mind, n. A mysterious form of matter secreted by the brain. Its chief activity consists in the endeavor to ascertain its own nature, the futility of the attempt being due to the fact that it has nothing but itself to know itself with.

— Ambrose Bierce, The Devil’s Dictionary

When managers began trying to come up with scientific studies of the most time- and energy-efficient ways to deploy human labor, they never applied those same techniques to themselves—or if they did, the effect appears to have been the opposite of what they intended. As a result, the same period that saw the most ruthless application of speed-ups and downsizing in the blue-collar sector also brought a rapid multiplication of meaningless managerial and administrative posts in almost all large firms.

— David Graeber, Bullshit Jobs

Great leaders leverage influence and relationships over title and position.

— Clay Scroggins, How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge

In Modern Orthodox Judaism I have not heard much emphasis of the virtues of blind faith. You’re allowed to doubt. You’re just not allowed to successfully doubt.

— Eliezer Yudkowsky, How to Actually Change Your Mind

A stupid idea that works is not a stupid idea.

— Robert C. Martin, Clean Craftsmanship