Parkinson's Law is a purely scientific discovery, inapplicable except in theory to the politics of the day. It is not the business of the botanist to eradicate the weeds. Enough for him if he can tell us just how fast they grow.

Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. General recognition of this fact is shown in the proverbial phrase "It is the busiest man who has time to spare."

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.

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

Administrators make work for each other so that they can multiply the number of their subordinates and enhance their prestige.

Perfection of planned layout is achieved only by institutions on the point of collapse.

Make the people sovereign and the poor will use the machinery of government to dispossess the rich.