"For a nation which has an almost evil reputation for bustle, bustle, bustle, and rush, rush, rush, we spend an enormous amount of time standing around in line in front of windows, just waiting"
- Robert Benchley
About this Quote
In this quote, Robert Benchley is discussing the irony of a country that is understood for its fast-paced and hectic lifestyle, yet still spends a considerable amount of time waiting in line. He uses the words "bustle" and "rush" to stress the continuous movement and activity that is associated with this country. Nevertheless, he also points out that in spite of this track record, people still discover themselves standing in line, an apparently passive and ineffective activity. This could be seen as a critique of the society's fixation with efficiency and performance, as even in minutes of waiting, individuals are still anticipated to be constantly moving and doing something.
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