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About this ebook

Excerpt: "Mumbo-Jumbo is that department in the ruling of men which is made of dead, false, apparatus; unreasonable; contemptible to the free; unworthy of authority—and Mumbo-Jumbo is the most necessary ingredient in all government. All government is by persuasion. Odd it is that so many do not yet see this! Perhaps not so odd after all; for words trick the mind, and the words of government are not the words of persuasion. But think of the matter for a moment, and you will see that government is of necessity by persuasion. Here I catch the voices of two men, an ass and his uterine brother—that sort of braying centaur, half a rational being and half an ass. The ass tells me that government is merely the use of force; the centaur, half man half donkey, tells me that it lives by the threat of force."

About the author

Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953) was a Franco-English writer, historian, and political activist whose prolific output and sharp wit left an indelible mark on early 20th-century literature and thought. Born in France and educated at Oxford, Belloc's dual heritage infused his work with a unique perspective on European culture and politics. He is best known for his satirical verse, historical works, and essays that often critiqued the societal norms of his time.Belloc's literary career was marked by his close association with G.K. Chesterton, with whom he formed the "Chesterbelloc" duo, advocating for Distributism—a socio-economic theory promoting widespread property ownership as a counter to both capitalism and socialism. His biting critiques of British imperialism and the financial sector resonated with many, though they also sparked significant controversy.A devout Catholic, Belloc's faith deeply influenced his writing, leading him to champion traditionalist views in an era of rapid modernization. His historical works, such as "The Great Heresies" and "Europe and the Faith," sought to defend and elucidate the Catholic Church's role in shaping Western civilization.Belloc's influence extended to contemporary writers and thinkers, including George Orwell and Evelyn Waugh, who admired his incisive prose and fearless commentary. Despite facing criticism for his often polemical style and controversial opinions, Belloc remains a compelling figure whose work continues to provoke thought and debate.In an age where the clash between tradition and progress is ever-relevant, Belloc's life and writings offer a fascinating lens through which to explore the complexities of modernity.

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