Category: Politics

James Mill on two easy paths to literary fame

"He who desires to obtain a considerable portion of immediate applause, has two well-known, and well-trodden paths, before him. "The first is, to be a zealot for some particular and powerful party; to panegyrize its leaders; attack its opponents; place its principles and practices in the fairest possible light; and labour to bring odium upon … Continue reading James Mill on two easy paths to literary fame →

A Victorian View of Anonymity in the Press

From An Essay on the Influence of Authority in Matters of Opinion (1849) by Sir George Cornewall Lewis. “in looking on the newspaper as one of the principal guides of public opinion, and as an authoritative source of practical convictions to a large part of the community, the most prominent characteristic which strikes the observer … Continue reading A Victorian View of Anonymity in the Press →

John Stuart Mill on race and slavery

From Mill's 1850 essay, 'The Negro Question'. The law of the strongest. 'Your last month’s Number contains a speech against the “rights of Negroes,” the doctrines and spirit of which ought not to pass without remonstrance. The author issues his opinions, or rather ordinances, under imposing auspices, no less than those of the “immortal gods.” … Continue reading John Stuart Mill on race and slavery →

Improbable witnesses on the annihilation of Gaza

“They’re starting to lose ... support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place.” – former President Joe Biden, December 2023.1 "It is without a doubt true that Israel has committed war crimes." – former State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, June 2025.2 "The only reason the Palestinians want to go back to Gaza is, they have no … Continue reading Improbable witnesses on the annihilation of Gaza →