This is a letter JRR Tolkien wrote to his son Chistopher, in November of 1943
"My political opinions lean more and more to Anarchy (philosophically understood, meaning abolition of control, not whiskered men with bombs) - or to 'unconstitutional' Monarchy. I would arrest anybody who uses the word State (in any sense other than the inanimate realm of England and its inhabitants, a thing that has neither power, rights nor mind); and after a chance of recantation, execute them if they remained obstinate! If we could get back to personal names, it would do a lot of good. Government is an abstract noun meaning the art and process of governing and it should be an offence to write it with a capital G or so as to refer to people. If people were in the habit of referring to 'King George's council, Winston and his gang,' it would go a long way to clearing thought, and reducing the frightful landslide into Theyocracy.
Anyway the proper study of Man is anything but Man; and the most improper job of any man, even saints (who at any rate were at least unwilling to take it on), is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity. And at least it is done only to a small group of men who know who their master is. The medievals were only too right in taking nolo episcopari ['I do not wish to be made a bishop'] as the best reason a man could give to others for making him a bishop ...
Well, cheers and all that to you dearest son. We were born in a dark age out of due time (for us). But there is this comfort: otherwise we should not know, or so much love, what we do love. I imagine the fish out of water is the only fish to have an inkling of water. Also we have still small swords to use. 'I will not bow before the Iron Crown, nor cast my own small golden sceptre down.' Have at the Orcs, with winged words, hildenaeddran (war-adders), biting darts - but make sure of the mark, before shooting."
This amazing letter reminds me of one of my favorite movies - ELECTION. A wicked satire about the political process. You should see it, if you haven't already. In it - the point is made: those who choose to be leaders, early on in high school, are those destined to be our leaders as adults. And who ever liked those people in the first place?
Posted by sheila"Election" is quite possibly one of the most frightening movies ever made, isn't it? Precisely because it rings so true?
Posted by: Dave J at January 10, 2004 3:40 PMAmazing film. Just amazing.
It made me think, in terms of the acting: Jesus, Reese Witherspoon could win an Oscar one day.
Her portrayal of the ruthless Class President is brilliant.
And yes, it does ring true. Satire is a dying art ... not sure why. But this one works!
Posted by: red at January 10, 2004 6:09 PMTwo words - kiddie politicians. Bill Clinton was one. So was Al Gore. When I was in college, I reserved my purest, most unalloyed scorn for the kiddie politicians. They were the ones for whom the process was the whole point - to accrue attention, and power, and recognition. The idea that politics might actually be about service was completely alien to them. They grow up to be grown-up politicians. Then they no longer even merit my scorn.
Posted by: CW at January 12, 2004 12:13 AM