From the Cynic's Sanctuary.
Everyone thinks their age is the most cynical. But, as Juvenal shows, cynicism has been around forever.
"Roman cynic par excellence. His sixteen verse Satires rumble and grumble about life in the Empire. Peevish, pompous and judgmental, Juvenal wins our sympathy with his dark humor and wounded sense of justice. Here was a gifted man who (unlike his friend Martial) lived in near-poverty while he watched wealthy airheads make merry... a virtuous man who simply couldn't restrain himself from ridiculing the follies and evils of his day. (And those were days to rival ours in the folly-and-evil department!) His eloquent outrage makes him a fine companion for any cynic who feels at odds with the times."
The line in bold in particular hit home. I'm often reminded that intelligence is not needed to achieve financial success. I know (I think) how Juvy felt.
***
Quick word on Susan Boyle (just google her); the Scottish singer from "Britain's got talent" that has taken the world by storm. I read what some in the press have written over in the UK and I must profess the English can be quite the menacing bunch. Not sporting of them to call her the "hairy angel." It brings to light the following quote:
"Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it." Confucius
No comments:
Post a Comment
Mysterious and anonymous comments as well as those laced with cyanide and ad hominen attacks will be deleted. Thank you for your attention, chumps.