On this Memorial Day it is pertinent to remember the words of Dr. Johnson, England's greatest essayist:
"Patriotism is the refuge of scoundrels."
On Memorial Day it's enough to pause and take time out to simply remember dead family members and the fallen in wars. Ostentation and promotion of patriotism (i.e., parades) is what Johnson objected to, I think.
1 comment:
Dr. Johnson was undoubtedly great and composed many a memorable maxim. But I think perhaps the greatest English essayist was Charles Lamb. His "Dissertation on Roast Pig" was a masterpiece.
Hey, incidentally, anyone ever see the Blackadder that had the Dr. Johnson character, played by Robbie Coltrane (now of fame as Hagrid in the Harry Potter series). Brilliant comedic gem!
Post a Comment