Rudolf Greinz
Der heilige Bürokrazius: Eine heitere Legende
"Der heilige Bürokrazius: Eine heitere Legende" by Rudolf Greinz is a satirical novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of bureaucracy and human folly through the lens of humor, focusing on the titular character, Saint Bürokrazius, who is depicted as a patron of human stupidity and bureaucratic absurdities. The opening of the text introduces the character of Pater Hilarius, who is pivotal to the narrative as he prepares to give a famous sermon that humorously critiques human nature, comparing people to cattle. He reflects on his love for Tiroler Speckknödel and wine, setting the tone for a narrative filled with wit and pointed observations on human behavior. This humor leads him to realize that human folly, much like bureaucracy, needs a patron saint, which inspires him to create the legend of Saint Bürokrazius. The narrative mixes religious themes with lightheartedness, ultimately crafting a satirical tale that promises to delve into the comical side of human absurdity and institutional complexities.