Thursday, January 22, 2004

"Last Words"

My current read, listed in the sidebar left, is, without question, the best book I have ever had the pleasure to read.  And I’ve read a few books.  The title to this post is the title of an essay, by Mencken, exploring democracy. I have read it at least a dozen times in the past week or so and each time I do, I am struck, “bastinado” style, by its clarity.  It seems only appropriate that I post a link to the entire essay for your personal edification or denouncement as the circus prepares to come to a town near you.  The first few sentences follow.  I hope they whet your appetite to read the entire piece.

"I have alluded somewhat vaguely to the merits of democracy. One of them is quite obvious: it is, perhaps, the most charming form of government ever devised by man. The reason is not far to seek. It is based upon propositions that are palpably not true and what is not true, as everyone knows, is always immensely more fascinating and satisfying to the vast majority of men than what is true. Truth has a harshness that alarms them, and an air of finality that collides with their incurable romanticism."

Posted by John Venlet on 01/22 at 11:45 AM
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