Consultant: any ordinary guy more than fifty miles from home.

In this quote, Eric Sevareid humorously defines a consultant as "any ordinary guy more than fifty miles from home." Sevareid’s words poke fun at the perception of consultants as individuals who, despite often having no special expertise, are seen as authority figures simply because they are outsiders, arriving from distant places. The distance of "fifty miles" suggests that the very fact of being removed from the local environment gives a sense of importance or authority, even if the consultant's actual knowledge may be questionable.

Sevareid’s statement highlights the phenomenon of outsiders being given special credibility simply because of their role or status, rather than their actual qualifications or expertise. The quote implies that distance, both physical and social, can sometimes lend an aura of prestige or mystique to a person, regardless of their true capabilities. In a broader sense, it may also comment on the dynamics of business or corporate culture, where outside perspectives are often sought after for their perceived objectivity.

The origin of this quote likely comes from Sevareid's experiences as a journalist and commentator, where he would have observed the consulting industry and its practices from a critical and satirical perspective. As someone who often reported on social and political issues, Sevareid had a keen eye for the absurdities and ironies of modern life, and this quote reflects his ability to critique the superficial aspects of professional roles and status.

Ultimately, Sevareid’s quote highlights the sometimes ridiculous nature of professional titles and the value placed on outsiders simply due to their distance or perceived authority. It emphasizes how societal and organizational structures often assign importance to individuals based on their external status rather than on actual skills or substance. Through wit and irony, Sevareid’s words offer a critique of the way we view and assign value to consultants and other external experts.