Political Musings with Flaubert
The “A” through “D” collection.
A collection of political and military “definitions” from Gustave Flaubert. From the collection entitled “The Dictionary of Accepted Ideas” comes a satirical work that mocks what was termed as, “the ideas that ferment in the brains of the brainless.” Please enjoy these for the wit and revelation that political perceptions are subject to comparison across time; note, Flaubert died in 1880…
America. A famous example of injustice: Columbus discovered it and it is named after Amerigo Vespucci. Exalt it all the same, especially if you’ve never been there. Lecture people on self government.
Aristocracy. Despise and envy it.
Army. The bulwark of society.
Assassin. Always a coward, even if he acted with daring and courage.
Bankers. All millionaires. Levantines. Wolves.
Battle. Always “Bloody.” There are always two sets of victors: those who won and those who lost.
Budget. Never Balanced.
Bureaucrat. Inspires awe, no matter what bureau he works in.
Cavalry. Nobler than the infantry.
Chess. Symbol of military tactics. All great generals good at chess. Too serious a game, too pointless as a science.
Competition. The soul of trade.
Compromise. Always recommend it, even when the alternatives are irreconcilable.
Conservative. Politician with a pot belly. “A limited conservative mind? Certainly! Limits keep fools from falling down wells.”
Constitutional. Are stifling us-under them it is impossible to govern.
Diplomacy. A distinguished career, but beset with difficulties and full of mystery. Suited only for aristocrats. a profession of vague import, though higher than trade. Diplomats are invariably subtle and shrewd.
Document. Invariably, “of the highest importance.”