Ruskins Critique of Classical Political Economy.

rogerglewis January 12, 2019 3 Comments

Ruskins Critique of Classical Political Economy.
& Ghandis Translation.

This essay is widely published on the Web but I am reproducing both it and Ghandis Translation here
The Economic Reforms needed today are similar in root to the pivotal moments of History from the Fall of Rome through to the Levellers in the English Civil War, The American Revolution, The Great Depression, The Post 1st World War and Second World War, Post the 1974 Oil Crisis and Vietnam War and the , Monetarist Dogma and Milton Freidmans Chicago School adopted so damagingly and devastatingly by Reagan and Thatcher.
What is striking is the level of intellectual vigour with which the present hegemony is challenged in the poplar and main stream press would suggest a huge decline in the intellectual effectiveness of those opposed to the hegemony one would even question whether there is any intellectual opposition no=t so much polarisation and homogenisation of the real politick on the dawning of the age of Aquarius.

The internet happily informs us if we are persistent that there is a considerable body of thought and opinion not in the main stream narrative that shows the sham of the post 9/11 War on terrorism and Climate change / Globalisation consensus to a huge sham and confidence trick.

In a busy world I am reminded of the old saying about Busy Fools at least I strain to recall it and call again on the wonders of Google to assist my often feeble powers of recall.

And the fourth class: busy fool. Busy fool is very dangerous. They are so busy, but because they are fools, therefore they are creating problems.

Lecture on SB 1.16.23 — Hawaii, January 19, 1974:

We are all born foolish. So if we are not properly educated, then we remain fools and rascals, and the activities of fools and rascals, this is simply waste of time. Because… What is called? Busy rascals, busy rascal. If a rascal is busy, that means he’s simply spoiling the energy. Just like monkey. Monkey is very busy. Of course, according to Mr. Darwin, they are coming from monkey. So monkey’s business is simply waste of time. He’s very busy. You’ll find always busy. So the busy fool is dangerous. There are four classes of men: lazy intelligent, busy intelligent, lazy fool and busy fool. (laughter) So first-class man is lazy intelligent. Just like you’ll see the high-court judges. They’re very lazy and most intelligent. That is first-class man. They are doing everything very soberly. And the next class: busy intelligent. Intelligence should be used very soberly. And the third class: lazy fool-lazy, at the same time, fool. And the fourth class: busy fool. Busy fool is very dangerous. So all these people, they’re busy. Even in this country, everywhere, all over the world, not this country or that country. They have discovered this horseless carriage—very busy. “Ons, ons,” (imitates cars’ noise) this way this way, this way. But actually, they are not intelligent. Busy fool. Therefore they are creating problems after problems. That’s a fact. They are so busy, but because they are fools, therefore they are creating problems. This is fact. Even the animals, lower than the human beings, they have no problem.

OR.

A busy fool is fitter to be shut up than a downright madman. – George Lord Halifax

My point is we are all occupied with so much of the mundane so much of it imposed from above there is barely time to enjoy any time with our families and each other in relaxation let alone the luxury to think and reflect to step back and enjoy the over view, the Vista to reflect on the scent of the roses all around. Accident or design.

And now well heres Our man Ruskin.