The man whose life is devoted to paperwork has lost the initiative. He is dealing with things that are brought to his notice, having ceased to notice anything for himself.

The basic quality for the diplomat is not intelligence but loyalty.

The man who is denied the opportunity of taking decisions of importance begins to regard as important the decisions he is allowed to take.

Expenditure rises to meet income.

The man who is denied the opportunity of taking decisions of importance begins to regard as important the decisions he is allowed to take. He becomes fussy about filing, keen on seeing that pencils are sharpened, eager to ensure that the windows are open (or shut) and apt to use two or three different-colored inks.

Parkinson's First Law: Work expands to fill the time available.

The man whose life is devoted to paperwork has lost the initiative. He is dealing with things that are brought to his notice, having ceased to notice anything for himself.