“The idea of equality is a by-product of the
sentiment of envy. Since it must always prove beyond human power to raise the
inferior mass to a superior stratum, apostles of equality must ever be
inferiors seeking to reduce their betters to their level. It follows that a
nation that once admits this doctrine of equality will be dragged by it to the
level, moral, intellectual and political, of its most worthless class.”
- From Scaramouche the King-Maker by Rafael Sabatini
- From Scaramouche the King-Maker by Rafael Sabatini
This quotation is sometimes said to come from
Scaramouche: a Romance of the French Revolution, but it comes from the sequel. The
two books were published in 1921 and 1931.
Rafael Sabatini, who died in 1950 so never lived to see what life in the 21st century
is like, got it
right. What he said about the lowest people trying to drag everyone down to the
lowest level is very true. It is getting worse and worse.
More about the Scaramouche books
The first Scaramouche book tells the
story of André-Louis Moreau, a young lawyer at the time of the French
Revolution.
In the course of his adventures he becomes an
actor portraying Scaramouche (a roguish buffoon character in
the commedia dell'arte). He also becomes a revolutionary, politician,
and fencing-master, confounding his enemies with his powerful orations
and swordsmanship. He is forced by circumstances to change sides several
times.
The book also describes his transformation from
cynic to idealist.
Scaramouche the King-Maker continues the story
with a plan to destroy the revolution and restore the monarchy through a
campaign whereby the revolutionary leaders, hitherto thought of by the French
populace as incorruptible patriots, will be accused of and exposed as corrupt
and profiteers.
The republic versus monarchy theme looks like
an early occurrence of Aquarius versus Leo.
More wise words from Rafael Sabatini
Rafael Sabatini's works were referenced in an article about Aryan Supremacy, and episodes in his life were described in one about the sacrifice of the sons.
At the time, I didn’t expect to mention him
on here again.
I enjoyed reading some of his historical novels and swashbuckling adventure stories when I was still at school, but the magic has mostly disappeared and the style seems rather old-fashioned.
The political and philosophical discussions
are another matter.
Perhaps there are some more good quotations
to be found, like these ones for example:
“Only he who is without anything is without
enemies.”
This one is particularly appropriate for this
blog, which features coincidences:
The works of Rafael Sabatini
Although some of Rafael Sabatini’s books are available
on Project Gutenberg, many are still in print and can be found on eBay and Amazon. There
are many editions to choose from.
