This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
This year’s IgNobel Prize in Literature goes to…the US Government. You might think that something as prosaic as the US Governmental bureaucracy machine would not really qualify for a prize in literature. But in fact, there is some truly stimulating prose out there in the world of red tape and government. Some deep philosophical truths emerge, insights about live, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
And these deep truths come out when you learn about reports. Especially reports on reports. And then you might one day find…we need another report.
“Subject: Defense Management: Actions Needed to Evaluate the Impact of Efforts to
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Estimate Costs of Reports and Studies”
The translation of this deep, yet complicated memo can basically be read as followed: this is a report evaluating the reports on the costs on reports. The conclusion? More reports.
Sadly, the US Govt declined to show up for their prize. Perhaps they were too humble to recognize their important contribution to world literature.