Patron Saint of Mediocrity: NOT Buckle

Thomas is reading this book from the late 1890s called The History of Civilization in England by Henry Thomas Buckle. It is a thick tome which covers a variety of topics and the classification of which I can only identify as anthropology. Now, British anthropology of the 1800s varies widely from that which we would consider sound today, but what Thomas has read to me has struck me by its breadth of consideration as causalities in the course of human events.

This morning, Thomas read these excerpts to me. They refer to King George III. Perhaps you can see a parallel to another 'King' George we all know so well... (When reading, substitute "Americans" for "Iraqis.")

"The determination of the king to oppress the Americans was so notorious that, when the war actually broke out, it was called the 'King's War,' and those who opposed it were regarded as the personal enemies of their sovereign." Footnote continuation by Nicholls: "The war was considered as the war of the king personally. Those who supported it were called the king's friends; while those who wished the country to pause, and reconsider the propriety of persevering in the contest, were branded as disloyal." (465)

"His reign, indeed, was the golden age of successful mediocrity; an age in which little men were favoured, and great men depressed...." (466-467) *Ahem* C student at Yale *ahem*...

Mediocrity is a theme Buckle returns to time and again in his book; this of course puts me in mind of Salieri, the tragic character in the movie Amadeus. My sister and I, inspired by how much the knowledge of the limitations of one's own talent can drive one insane and make oneself evil, used to muse about Salieri in his drowning mediocrity. He hated himself for not having Mozart's abilities, and he hated Mozart for not appreciating his own.

While this is a creative interpretation of real, historical people, and who really knows what Salieri thought of Mozart, I think Buckle would have appreciated Salieri's internal torment. At least Salieri knew he was mediocre, and wished to be great. In our age, people revel in their mediocrity and call it "individuality," inspired by nothing and striving for nothing, complacent and lazy, while more industrious people and nations pull their puppet strings without them even seeing.

And one last, parting thought from Mr. Buckle. Here he refers to Burke, an important member of Parliament during the time of George III. He wanted, late in his life, to wage utter war on France, and detroy it completely. Below is Buckle's reaction to Burke's evil intentions. And with regard to the end of his quote, can you think of "any other man"? I can think of at least one, and more if you count his war hawks...

"It was to be a war to force a great people to change their government. It was to be a war carried on for the purpose of punishment. It was also to be a religious war. Finally, it was to be a long war. Was there ever any other man who wished to afflict the human race with such extensive, searching, and protracted calamities?" (475)