Notes on democracy

H. L. Mencken

Synopsis

Democracy came into the Western World to the tune of sweet, soft music. There was, at the start, no harsh bawling from below; there was only a dulcet twittering from above. Democratic man thus began as an ideal being, full of ineffable virtues and romantic wrongs—in brief, as Rousseau’s noble savage in smock and jerkin, brought out of the tropical wilds to shame the lords and masters of the civilized lands. The fact continues to have important consequences to this day. It remains impossible, as it was in the Eighteenth Century, to separate the democratic idea from the theory that there is a mystical merit, an esoteric and ineradicable rectitude, in the man at the bottom of the scale—that inferiority, by some strange magic, becomes a sort of superiority—nay, the superiority of superiorities. Everywhere on earth, save where the enlightenment of the modern age is confessedly in transient eclipse, the movement is toward the completer and more enamoured enfranchisement of the lower orders. Down there, one hears, lies a deep, illimitable reservoir of righteousness and wisdom, unpolluted by the corruption of privilege. What baffles statesmen is to be solved by the people, instantly and by a sort of seraphic intuition. Their yearnings are pure; they alone are capable of a perfect patriotism; in them is the only hope of peace and happiness on this lugubrious ball. The cure for the evils of democracy is more democracy!

Disponible depuis: 10/04/2024.

D'autres livres qui pourraient vous intéresser

A Modest Proposal

Jonathan Swift

'I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee, or a ragout.'

One of the most-studied pieces of satire in history, 'A Modest Proposal' is a darkly funny yet scathing critique of British colonialism from an Irish lens.

First published in 1729 to much backlash, Swift goes to great lengths to illustrate a potential solution to poverty and overpopulation in Ireland: parents undergoing economic hardship ought to sell their children as food for the upper classes. A masterclass in irony, Swift delves into the financial benefits of his suggestion, even offering numerous ways to prepare babies for consumption. A powerful and shocking criticism of the dire conditions of Ireland and indifference of the British government at the time, 'A Modest Proposal' remains widely read to this day. This audiobook edition is narrated by the talented Malk Williams.
Jonathan Swift (1667 – 1745) was an Irish writer and satirist, famed for his deadpan style of writing. He is best remembered for his satirical works 'A Modest Proposal (1729) and Gulliver's Travels (1726). A master in the art of irony, future works of satire in his style of hyperbole have subsequently been classed as 'Swiftian'.

Voir livre

Mana

Tame Iti

Mana. It's a big word. But what is it? Are you born with it, can you earn it, can it be taken away? 
 
For more than five decades, Tame Iti has stood at the heart of Aotearoa's struggle for indigenous rights. From land marches to performance art, police raids to prison cells, his voice has challenged New Zealand to reckon with its colonial legacy.  
 
Once branded as a dangerous and extreme activist, nowhailed as a national treasure, Tame has lived the contradictions and realities of standing with mana motuhake in a modern world. 
 
After being silenced from speaking te reo Maori as a child, Tame went on to champion its revitalisation. He discovered the power of protest and what it means to live with mana in a world that often tries to strip it away. 
 
This is his korero of the road he walked and the people who joined him. The comrades, the supporters, and the ones who tried to take him out. 
 
Mana is the story of a man who has never stopped challenging the status quo. It cements Tame's place as one of Aotearoa's most iconic figures.

Voir livre

Whispers of the Past: Unveiling...

Tobias Everhart

Whispers of the Past: Unveiling Secrets in Northern Ireland
⭐⭐ Simplified Guide & Explanations Included ⭐⭐
Are you looking to progress in your understanding of ancient mysteries and rediscover your heritage by diving into the secrets of Northern Ireland?
Seeking a comprehensive guide that provides all necessary elements to uncover hidden histories?
Your search ends here!
This audiobook serves as your definitive companion for deepening your insight, applying analytical skills, and engaging in enlightening exercises. With this, you're geared for an enriching experience.
Updated for the latest archaeological discoveries and historical research.
Key features of this enriched guide:
- Profound insights about uncovering ancient mysteries
- Detailed explanations of historical events and cultural significance
- Fruitful strategies for exploring and understanding hidden histories
Our guide distinguishes itself through comprehensive coverage, essential for your journey of discovery. Concepts aren't merely touched upon; they are delved into with precision.
Please note that this guide is not affiliated with any official historical entity and is purely an independent resource for your benefit.
Designed with a clear structure and easy-to-understand language, our guide ensures smooth transitions between topics. Say goodbye to dense jargon and welcome clear, precise, and technically accurate content.
So, why wait? Click the BUY NOW button, secure your guide, and begin your journey into the secrets of Northern Ireland!

Voir livre

In the Lion's Den - Israel and...

Danny Danon, Nikki Haley

In the Lion's Den is a book about the life events that encouraged Danny Danon to pursue his chosen career path and take his distinct and direct approach during his time as Knesset Member and later on in his political career. It is a book that tells the story of his journey to the United Nations and the key events that occurred during the five years he served as Israel's 17th Permanent Representative to the UN. 
 
 
 
In the Lion's Den draws on the unique perspective of a man who has spent his entire career in his nation's public service. Danon shares his experiences on the front lines of Israel's global presence—the successes as well as the disappointments. Danon makes a compelling case for an Israel that must be proud of its identity and faith; forge relationships with diverse peoples; make autonomous domestic decisions; and determine its own foreign policy. 
 
 
 
In this book, Danon lays out a roadmap for Israel’s future on the regional and global stage and outlines the path Israel must follow in order to continue to make a positive contribution to global prosperity and peace and ensure its safety in a fraught region. As the Jewish state enters the next phase of its existence, Danon's inspiring vision will help Israel fulfill the noble vision of its founders.

Voir livre

Fortress London: Why we need to...

Sam Bright

A vividly written and timely polemic tackling the burning injustices shaping British society today.
‘Intelligently written and powerfully argued.’ Paul Mason
‘Witty, scathing, and entertaining.’ Danny Dorling
Journalist Sam Bright is a Northerner living in London. He is just one of the millions of people clinging on to the coattails of the capital, sucked in by the prospect of opportunities that the rest of the United Kingdom does not enjoy.
Our capital is a vast melting pot of languages, cultures, and ideas, and rightly celebrated for it. For many, though, there is no other option. The only place to access the opportunities this country offers is London. Banking, law, politics, advertising, architecture, the arts and the media are all concentrated here. It is almost impossible to reach the heights of any profession without joining the grey hoards queuing for the next tube. As the economic, political, and cultural epicentre of the country, Fortress London acts more like a renaissance city-state like Florence or Venice than the capital of a modern nation-state. And the gluttony of London, compared to the malnourishment of our regions, dramatically affects life chances in Britain.
Fortress London argues that to address Britain’s manifold problems, we need first to end the hegemony of its capital. Enriched by a vast array of interviews and statistics, it will examine how our individual destinies, from childhood to death, are determined by the disproportionate power of London. It will explain why regional inequality has fallen off the Left’s radar, even as the Right pays lip service to it, and it will draw on international comparisons to show where we have gone wrong and, crucially, how we can fix it.
Sam Bright’s clear-eyed intervention will convince you that regional inequality is the problem — and that now is the time for change.
Featuring exclusive interviews with: Andy Burnham, Lisa Nandy, Steve Rotheram, Aditya Chakrabortty, David Blunkett, Jess Phillips, Andrew Adonis and more…
In Fortress London, Sam Bright masterfully delves into the science of social disparity and the geography of opportunity, painting a vivid picture of a city that is both a beacon of hope and a fortress of inequality. The book is a top pick for anyone interested in public affairs, policy planning, and the human cost of regional inequality.
For fans of James O'Brien (How They Broke Britain), Chris Bryant (James and John), Grace Blakeley (Vulture Capitalism), Ian Dunt (Conspiracy Theory), and Rory Stewart (The Places In Between).
HarperCollins 2022

Voir livre

Ministry of Truth - Democracy...

Steve Benen

A searing, vital investigation of the Republican Party’s dangerous campaign to rewrite history in real time, from the Emmy Award-winning Rachel Maddow Show producer and bestselling author of The Impostors. 
“There is nobody…who has more influence on the way I think about politics than Steve Benen.” —Rachel Maddow  
For as long as historical records have existed, authoritarian regimes have tried to rewrite history to suit their purposes, using their dictatorial powers to create myths, spread propaganda, justify decisions, erase opponents, and even dispose of crimes. 
Today, as America’s Republican Party becomes increasingly radicalized, it’s not surprising to see the GOP read from a similarly despotic script. Indeed, the party is taking dangerous, aggressive steps to rewrite history—and not just from generations past. Unable to put a positive spin on Trump-era scandals and fiascos, GOP voices and their allies have grown determined to rewrite the stories of the last few years—from the 2020 election results and the horror of January 6th to their own legislative record—treating the recent past as an enemy to be overpowered, crushed, and conquered. The consequences for our future, in turn, are dramatic. 
Extraordinarily timely and undeniably important, Steve Benen’s new book tells the staggering chronicle of the Republican party’s unsettling attempts at historical revisionism. It reveals not only how dependent they have grown on the tactic, but also how dangerous the consequences are if we allow the party to continue. The stakes, Benen argues, couldn’t be higher: the future of democracy hinges on both our accurate understanding of events and the end of alternative narratives that challenge reality. 
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Voir livre