In Joseph Conrad's book "Boatswain," he presents a humorous yet critical view of government. He suggests that to an astute observer, governments often display absurdity and ridiculousness in their actions and decisions. This perspective highlights the disconnection between governing bodies and the realities of everyday life, where complex bureaucracies can seem laughable.

Conrad's observation encourages readers to question the effectiveness and seriousness of governments. By framing governance as comedic, he prompts reflection on how those in power often fail to address the genuine needs of the people, reinforcing the idea that political structures can sometimes be more entertaining than they are functional.