This was not later than 1926. The world is not like that anymore. Of course it does still and always will have pessimists and optimists. Some things never change!. Remember that other British quote, and I paraphrase: "The Sun is in the sky, the King is on The Throne, God is in his Heaven and all's right with the world". Does anyone ever have a day like that anymore? Great response jim K. Bureaucracies in the USA were started in the latter half of the 1800's to end the predatory and unprofessional spoils system, whcih involved appointing political and untrained hacks and good ole boys to run things. "Boys" who could be had and manipulated by power and money. The Federal Bureau system brought a pride and untouchability to government. Professional civil service and job tenure brought competence to government. One of the best bureaucrats was Elliot Ness and his untouchables. What people hate most about bureaucrats is simply that they do they professional best under the law and are not "touchable" or swayed to disobey the law by people would want their own way or to do their own thing regardless of the law or legality.

Sick, sick, black humour! You guys that like it do you include yourselves in the number of "processed people" and "ants". Some people see themselves as unique individuals and see others as ants or processed people. Funny isn't it? Maybe we should others as we see ourselves, kind of like the Golden Rule.

I hate lists but here he obviously missed one: interchangeability of parts.