An expert is somebody who is more than 50 miles from home, has no responsibility for implementing the advice he gives, and shows slides.

The quote "An expert is somebody who is more than 50 miles from home, has no responsibility for implementing the advice he gives, and shows slides" by Edwin Meese humorously critiques the idea of so-called experts who offer advice without fully understanding the practical implications or consequences of their recommendations. Meese, an American lawyer and politician, uses satire to highlight how people in positions of authority or expertise might appear credible based on their credentials or presentations, yet their advice is often detached from reality and responsibility.

The phrase "more than 50 miles from home" suggests that an expert is someone who is far removed from the environment in which their advice is actually needed. They are typically outside the context of the problem they are addressing, which implies a lack of personal investment in the outcomes of their guidance. This distance symbolizes the detachment that many so-called experts have from the real-world impact of their advice.

The line about having "no responsibility for implementing the advice he gives" further emphasizes the disconnect between the expert’s recommendations and the results that follow. The expert is free from the consequences of their advice, which may not always be feasible or effective in practice. This notion points to the idea that many experts, especially in consulting or academic fields, can offer grand ideas without facing the challenges of actually carrying them out.

Finally, the mention of "shows slides" humorously points to the common practice of experts giving presentations with visual aids like slides, which can create the illusion of knowledge and authority. This aspect of the quote satirizes how appearances and the ability to present information can sometimes overshadow the actual value or practicality of the advice being given. Originating from Meese’s observations of the world of politics and consulting, the quote highlights the gap between theoretical expertise and real-world experience.