An Inquiry into the Persistence of Unwisdom In Government

Stephen Hall in his book had quoted from an essay by Barbara W. Tuchman - An Inquiryinto the Persistence of Unwisdom In Government.

 

This was written in 1979 and sadly things have gotten only worse not only with respect to the unwisdom in the government but we collectively as a society as well. Yes, we have been conquering new frontiers in science, technology,space but some of the mundane common sense seems to be traded off. It's a fantastic essay, I highly recommend reading it - An essential component of truest wisdom is the self-confidence to reassess.

"Males, who so far in history have managed government, are obsessed with potency, which is the reason, I suspect, why it is difficult for them to admit error. I have never known a man who, with a smile and a shrug, could easily acknowledge being wrong. Why not? I can, without any damage to self-respect. I can only suppose the difference is that deep in their psyches, men somehow equate being wrong with being impotent."

 I am guy and I have qualms to admit that it is true for most men (and yes some women too).

"In the Age of Enlightenment, John Locke thought the motions should be controlled by intellectual judgment and it was the distinction and glory of man to be able so to control them. But as witness of the 20th century's record, which is comparable to the worst in the history, we have less confidence in our species. Although professionalism can help, I tend to think that fitness of character is what government chiefly requires. How that can be discovered, encouraged, and brought into office, I have no idea.

No society has yet managed to implement Plato. Now, with money-making and image making, manipulating our elective process, the changes are reduced. Perhaps, rather than educating officials, we should concentrate on educating the electorate."

Sorry, I couldn't resist, I found that last line hilarious.But yet that's the only thing which can bring sanity to our proceedings and we have pursue it relentlessly.

"Magnanimity in politics is not seldom the truest wisdom and a great Empire and little minds go ill together." 

- Edmund Burke