The People Of The Wind, XII.
"...half a billion Ythrians are tuned in..." (p. 574)
Cajal reflects:
"What kind of government is this? Not exactly democratic - you can't hang any Terran label on it, not even 'government,' really. Might we humans have something to learn here? Everything we try seems to break down at last, and the only answer to that which we ever find is the brute simplicity of Caesar.
"Stop, Juan! You're an officer of the Imperium." (ibid.)
Observations
(i) The Ythrian system is supremely democratic.
(ii) Human beings have something to learn everywhere.
(iii) Oppression is internalized. Instead of learning, Cajal stops himself from thinking beyond a certain point. In 1984, Party members condemn their enemies for absurdly believing contradictions yet congratulate themselves for loyally accepting even contradictory statements from the Party.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
And I absolutely disagree with this fascination you have for Ythrian institutions and khruaths. What works for one species is not going to be at all likely to work for us. If "The brute simplicity of Caesar" is all that truly works for us, very well, we should accept that and work to put restraints on Caesar (under whatever title he is called that). Which is why I favor the LIMITED state, with things like the rule of law, and congresses and parliaments.
Enough, away with all Utopian impossibilities!
Ad astra! Sean
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