Drawn by Ray Ordner and published in 1916 in La Baïonnette, this French political cartoon targets the circular logic of authoritarian bureaucracy. An official issues the command: “Sort every document… then destroy them.” Obedience replaces purpose, and procedure becomes power even when the work itself is rendered meaningless.
A century later, the joke still lands. Bureaucratic authority continues to assert itself through rules, paperwork, and compliance for their own sake—proof that absurdity is not a flaw of authoritarian systems, but one of their tools.
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Drawn by Ray Ordner and published in 1916 in La Baïonnette, this French political cartoon targets the circular logic of authoritarian bureaucracy. An official issues the command: “Sort every document… then destroy them.” Obedience replaces purpose, and procedure becomes power even when the work itself is rendered meaningless.
A century later, the joke still lands. Bureaucratic authority continues to assert itself through rules, paperwork, and compliance for their own sake—proof that absurdity is not a flaw of authoritarian systems, but one of their tools.
Add two mugs to your cart to receive an automatic bundle discount.
