The Conscientious Official
Story Summary
In "The Conscientious Official," a misguided railway Division Superintendent, while tampering with tracks, learns of his impending dismissal for incompetency. He argues that although there are many accidents on his division, they inflict less damage to the company's property than potential alternatives, revealing a twisted sense of duty. This life-changing story serves as a fable with moral lessons about responsibility and the consequences of misguided actions.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story highlights the absurdity of prioritizing corporate interests over human safety, emphasizing that true competence should be measured by the well-being of individuals rather than mere financial loss.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes of corruption and negligence within the railway industry during the late 19th to early 20th century, a period marked by rapid industrialization and often lax safety standards. It echoes elements found in satirical literature, such as Mark Twain's "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," which critiques human folly and corporate greed. The narrative likely draws from real incidents of railway mismanagement and public outrage, illustrating the tension between profit motives and human safety in a burgeoning industrial society.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the absurdity of prioritizing profit and efficiency over human safety, a relevant issue in modern life, particularly in industries like transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing. For instance, a contemporary scenario could involve a factory manager who, under pressure to cut costs, ignores safety protocols, leading to a serious workplace accident—demonstrating that neglecting ethical responsibilities for financial gain can have catastrophic consequences.
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Related Collections
Other names for this story
"Railway Reckoning, Official Dilemma, The Obstruction Paradox, Switches of Fate, The Incompetent Superintendent, Life on the Line, The Safety Saboteur, Perilous Priorities"
Did You Know?
This story highlights the darkly humorous theme of bureaucratic absurdity, where a railway official is more concerned with the company's financial losses and his job security than the actual safety and lives of passengers, reflecting a critique of prioritizing profits over human life.
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