It will take me some time to absorb the many political, moral and personal lessons one can derive from the Corona impeachment trial. But before the precious moment blinks off the radar screen, may I ask a few questions about the last few days of the trial: Continue reading “Truth, justice, and business as usual”
The fire god is consoled
Raising the still-pulsing heart for all to see, the Inca high priests declare the sacrificial rite over. They say the fire god atop the rumbling volcano is appeased. Everyone goes home with safe thoughts that the Inca nobles will now rule with honesty and with the public good in mind. But the temple orgies and carnal feasts of the nobility continue, secretly, relentlessly, brazenly. Continue reading “The fire god is consoled”
The art of breaking rules
I remember an anecdote about breaking rules that I read somewhere, so long ago in my youth I no longer remember from which book or magazine. But the story struck me so deeply I still remember the details like I read it just yesterday.
An American writer is visiting Paris, and one evening he takes a cab to attend a late-evening dinner in another part of the city. The French cab driver, it seems, is fluent enough in English to strike up a conversation with him, and the writer is happy to oblige as he wants tips on how to get around town. So they talk sporadically about random topics. Continue reading “The art of breaking rules”