The phrase "bean counter" has only been in the public vocabulary since the 1970s, although it sounds as if it should be of a much older origin. It is possible that the description was inspired by overzealous kitchen inventory takers who insisted on counting every bean in a bag or every potato in a sack. The act of counting every bean to the exclusion of more important duties would be viewed by many as the ultimate act of micromanagement.
What do the 'Bean Counters' in this video literally tell us about our Capitalist Society? Why does this matter? Is it fair? What would Andrew Carnegie say you should do about it?
