Posted by zeugma on June 26, 2007, at 17:30:15
In reply to Question » zeugma, posted by Sigismund on June 26, 2007, at 16:03:14
> When an electorate knows their government is lying and is happy enough to reelect it, does that mean that the electorate is grown up?>>
yes, as a rule, a mature electorate knows that truth is only an incidental virtue; we all know how often it is sacrificed to the higher good.Among great writers, Oscar Wilde has given voice to the strong desire of the mature, cultured individual for more, and better liars in public places:
"[Politicians] never rise beyond the level of misrepresentation, and actually condescend to prove, to discuss, to argue. How different from the temper of the true liar, with his frank, fearless statements, his superb irresponsibility, his healthy, natural disdain of proof of any kind!"
http://www.mnstate.edu/gracyk/courses/phil%20of%20art/wildetext.htm
The whole thing is worth reading, in the context of the present discussion.
-z
poster:zeugma
thread:763045
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20070312/msgs/765978.html