"Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without” is a jocular saying that has been included in many collections of humorous quotations. The saying has been cited in print since at least 1998, when it was credited to “Anonymous.”
American economist John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2006) has been credited with the saying since at least 1999, but no source has ever been identified.
Google Books
The 1st Book
By Gordon Bell
Toronto, ON: Turner Books
1998
Pg. 128:
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.
Anonymous
Google Books
The American Legion
Volumes 146-147
April 1999
Pg. ?:
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.—John Kenneth Galbraith
Google Books
The World’s Greatest Wacky One-Line Jokes
By Bob Phillips
Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers
2005
Pg. 27:
Conventions
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without. — J. K. Galbraith
Google Books
The Snark Handbook:
A Reference Guide to Verbal Sparring
By Lawrence Dorfman
New York, NY: Skyhorse Publishing
2009
Pg. ?:
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.
Google Books
Great Funny Quotes:
Sweeten Your Life with Laughter
By David Young
Round Rock, TX: Wind Runner Press
2011
Pg. 72:
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without. — John Kenneth Galbraith
Twitter
BBBMetroAtlanta
@BBBAtlanta
#BBB “Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.” - Anonymous
12:34 PM - 19 Sep 2014
Curated Quotes
THE 68 FUNNIEST QUOTES ABOUT WORK
Curated by:
Tammy Lamoureux
Last updated: 02/10/15
(...)
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.
-Unknown
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
•
“What did the full glass of water say to the empty glass?"/"You look drunk.” (5/27)
•
“The only thin blue line I respect is the one at the bottom of the pride flag” (5/27)
•
“Why is it called a house salad when it’s not on the house?” (5/27)
•
Big Apple Turnover (Ray Williams nickname on New York Knicks, 1979) (5/27)
•
“What did the full glass say to the empty glass?"/"You look drunk!” (5/27)
More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
This site is edited by Barry Popik.