“A Committee Is a Gathering of Important People Who, Singly Can Do Nothing, But Together Can Decide That Nothing Can Be Done.”
This sharp piece of wit perfectly captures a frustration many professionals know well. It speaks to the paradox of collective inaction. We have all seen it happen. A group of talented individuals enters a room. They possess the power to make significant changes. However, they often leave with nothing more than a decision to meet again. This quote has circulated for decades because it reflects a fundamental truth about organizational dynamics. Source
Its enduring power lies in its simple, cutting breakdown of bureaucratic paralysis. The humor is found in the shared experience of watching potential dissolve into procedure. Consequently, this saying has become a timeless piece of corporate satire, resonating with anyone who has ever sat through an unproductive meeting.
The Anatomy of Inaction
Let’s dissect this brilliant observation. The first part, “a gathering of important people,” sets the stage with a hint of irony. Committees often consist of managers, directors, or experts. Their titles imply authority and capability. We expect these individuals to solve complex problems and drive progress. The very importance of the members raises the stakes and our expectations for a decisive outcome.
However, the quote quickly pivots. It claims these important people “singly can do nothing.” This highlights a common organizational constraint. An individual, no matter how skilled, may lack the sole authority to act. They need consensus, budget approval, or resources from other departments. Therefore, their individual power is limited within the group structure. They depend on collective agreement to move forward.
The Punchline of Paralysis
The final clause delivers the punchline: “but together can decide that nothing can be done.” This is the core of the satire. The one decision the group successfully reaches is the decision to do nothing. This phenomenon, often called analysis paralysis, occurs when the fear of making the wrong choice outweighs the need for action. The committee becomes a vortex of discussion, debate, and deferral. Responsibility becomes so diffused among the members that no single person feels empowered to make a final call. As a result, the default outcome is maintaining the status quo.
Tracing the Quote’s Mysterious Origins
While many people associate this quip with American comedian Fred Allen, its history is more complex. The true origin story adds another layer of intrigue to the famous line. Researchers have traced the earliest known version back to a British publication. Specifically, it appeared in the “Evening Sentinel” newspaper in October 1934. Source
This initial version was nearly identical to the one we know today. The newspaper credited “St. Martin’s Review” but named no specific author. This left the creator’s identity a mystery. Soon after, the joke crossed the Atlantic. Publications like “The Christian Science Monitor” reprinted it, spreading its cynical wisdom throughout the United States. Over the next few years, different variations appeared in newspapers from England to Australia, each adapting the core idea to new contexts. Fred Allen Papers – Boston Public Library Archives
Fred Allen and the Rise of a Classic Joke
The person who truly cemented this quote in popular culture was Fred Allen. However, the comedian popularized a slightly different version. In 1940, Allen found himself in a public spat with the New York Stock Exchange. In a letter to its president, William McChesney Martin Jr., Allen included his own spin on the joke. He wrote, “a conference is a gathering of important people who, singly, can do nothing but together can decide that nothing can be done.”
Allen cleverly swapped “committee” for “conference,” but the satirical spirit remained the same. This version was picked up by major outlets, including “Time” magazine. Subsequently, his name became permanently linked to the witticism. Burton Stevenson’s 1948 book, “The Home Book of Proverbs, Maxims and Familiar Phrases,” officially attributed the conference version to Allen. Despite evidence of the quote’s earlier origins, Allen’s fame ensured his legacy as its most famous popularizer.
Why We Still Laugh (and Cringe)
Decades later, this quote continues to be relevant. It applies to countless modern workplaces where “design by committee” can stifle innovation. When too many stakeholders are involved, progress often slows to a crawl. Each person adds their own opinion, leading to a diluted or compromised final product. Moreover, the fear of failure in a corporate setting can make inaction seem like the safest path forward. Group Decision Making – MIT Sloan Management Review
Committees are not inherently flawed, of course. When managed effectively, they can foster collaboration and produce excellent results. A successful committee requires a clear purpose, a designated leader with real authority, and a focus on decisive action over endless debate. Without these elements, they risk becoming the very caricature the quote so brilliantly describes. Group Decision Making: Advances in Research and Practice
Ultimately, the quote serves as both a humorous observation and a cautionary tale. It reminds us that gathering experts is only the first step. True progress requires creating an environment where those experts are empowered to act. Otherwise, we are just scheduling another meeting to decide that nothing can be done. Group Decision Making: Theory and Research