I have seen in India. There was a fire in a house, and they came late, when the business is finished. And still they’re insisting, “We shall pour some water.” [laughter] Everyone asked them that “What is the use of?” “No, this is our system.” [laughter] The house is burnt into ashes, and they are looking the formality, “Yes, we must put some water,” so that they can write in their books, “Here we attended the fire and we have…” [laughter] This cheating is going on. In every problem, this kind of cheating is going on. Official, that’s all. The same example: you ask to the charity-taker of welfare activities. The fire is going on, but officially the government satisfied, “Yes, we are after all pouring water.” So what is the use of pouring water if the fire is going on? But officially, that’s all. We must see that the purpose is being carried. No. The house is burnt into ashes, but we are satisfied that our fire brigade man has poured some water, that’s all. They do not know that they cannot do any benefit to anyone by this imperfect process.

Srila Prabhupada — June 12, 1976, Detroit