Hauksberg's mistress, Persis d'Io, disparages his staff and servants:
"'Little men with little minds. Routineers, yes-men, careerists who've laid out their own futures on rails. They're nothing, between me and the night. I'm sick of them, anyway." (p. 66)
Strong words from Persis. What is the alternative to a future on rails? Some of Poul Anderson's heroes, like Nicholas van Rijn and David Falkayn, lead lives of exploration and adventure: successful careers, yes; on rails, no. Some of us studied philosophy from interest and thought about career outcomes later, in some cases a long time later. That was an adventure of sorts. See Another Merger and its links and Drifting.
Persis is an interesting person. See here.
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
I fear most of us, myself included, will always be among those little men scorned by Persis. But at least I try to understand myself, to have no illusions about myself. And to not always be a sycophantic yes man!
And I do admire bold adventurers like Old Nick and David Falkayn.
Btw, I've been remembering something I should have commented on back in February. The 6th oft that month was the anniversary of George VI's death in 1952, the father of Elizabeth II. Which means Her Majesty has completed 69 full years as Queen. Meaning this is now the 70th year of her reign!
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
Indeed. Her 70th Anniversary approaches. I remember her 25th.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
I remember her Silver Jubilee celebrations, they gave a moment of good cheer to Britons at a dismal time!
Ad astra! Sean
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