Now Thompson, there is reason to believe, tried earnestly for some years to be a man. Alas! he began while he was a boy, and got exhausted before he arrived at maturity. He could make no further effort, and manhood is not acquired without a mighty struggle, nor maintained without untiring industry. So having fatigued himself before reaching the starting-point, Thompson Washington did not re-enter the race for manhood, but contented his simple soul with achieving a modest swinehood.
Ambrose Bierce - The Fiend's Delight (1873)
Counting Thompsons in the political sphere could present a problem, but perhaps Thompsons have always been with us and counting them is impossible.
Yes, maturity is that mirage I continue to chase in the distance. Jimbo Thompson.
ReplyDelete"Now Thompson, there is reason to believe, tried earnestly for some years to be a man. Alas!"
ReplyDeleteAlthough it seems that aspiring to be a man is denigrated by many with a chip on their shoulder... who would want to be part of a sexist patriarchy oppressing all other groups? Obviously a lowly road sweeper or grave digger is far higher on the supremacy ladder than others...
Jimbo - it keeps the blood circulating though.
ReplyDeleteDJ - yes, who would want to be part of it, especially if there are other, more rewarding opportunities without the pointing fingers.