Baden-Powell of Mafeking

Nonfiction, History, European General
Cover of the book Baden-Powell of Mafeking by J. S. Fletcher, J. S. Fletcher
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: J. S. Fletcher ISBN: 9788822876614
Publisher: J. S. Fletcher Publication: December 13, 2016
Imprint: Language: English
Author: J. S. Fletcher
ISBN: 9788822876614
Publisher: J. S. Fletcher
Publication: December 13, 2016
Imprint:
Language: English

It may well and fittingly be complained that of late years we English folk have shown an unpardonable spirit of curiosity about things which do not concern us. We have brought into being more than one periodical publication full of gossip about the private life and affairs of folk of eminence, and there are too many of us who are never so much pleased as when we are informed that a certain great artist abhors meat, or that a famous musician is inordinately fond of pickled salmon. There was a time when, to use a homely old phrase, people minded their own business and left that of their neighbours' alone—that day in some degree seems to have been left far behind, and most of us feel that we are being defrauded of our just rights if we may not step across the threshold of my lady's drawing-room or set foot in the statesman's cabinet. The fact is that we have itching ears nowadays, and cherish a passion for gossip which were creditable to the old women of the open doorways. We want to know all—which is to say as much as chance will tell us—about the people of whom the street is talking, and the more we can hear of them, even of the things which appertain in reality to no one but themselves, the better we are pleased. But even here, in what is undoubtedly an evil, there is an element of possible good which under certain circumstances may be developed into magnificent results. Since we must talk amongst ourselves, since we must satisfy this very human craving for what is after all gossip, let us find great subjects to gossip about. If we must talk in the streets let us talk about great folk, about great deeds, about great examples, and since our subjects are great let us talk of them in a great way. There is no need to chatter idly and to no purpose—we shall be all the better if our gossip about great men and great things leads us to even a faint imitation of both.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

It may well and fittingly be complained that of late years we English folk have shown an unpardonable spirit of curiosity about things which do not concern us. We have brought into being more than one periodical publication full of gossip about the private life and affairs of folk of eminence, and there are too many of us who are never so much pleased as when we are informed that a certain great artist abhors meat, or that a famous musician is inordinately fond of pickled salmon. There was a time when, to use a homely old phrase, people minded their own business and left that of their neighbours' alone—that day in some degree seems to have been left far behind, and most of us feel that we are being defrauded of our just rights if we may not step across the threshold of my lady's drawing-room or set foot in the statesman's cabinet. The fact is that we have itching ears nowadays, and cherish a passion for gossip which were creditable to the old women of the open doorways. We want to know all—which is to say as much as chance will tell us—about the people of whom the street is talking, and the more we can hear of them, even of the things which appertain in reality to no one but themselves, the better we are pleased. But even here, in what is undoubtedly an evil, there is an element of possible good which under certain circumstances may be developed into magnificent results. Since we must talk amongst ourselves, since we must satisfy this very human craving for what is after all gossip, let us find great subjects to gossip about. If we must talk in the streets let us talk about great folk, about great deeds, about great examples, and since our subjects are great let us talk of them in a great way. There is no need to chatter idly and to no purpose—we shall be all the better if our gossip about great men and great things leads us to even a faint imitation of both.

More books from European General

Cover of the book Mitterrand und die Wiedervereinigung 1989/90 by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book Simon V of Montfort and Baronial Government, 1195-1218 by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book The French Revolution in Russian Intellectual Life by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book Summary and Analysis of The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book Guam USA: America's Forward Fortress In Asia Pacific by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book Binding Passions by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book 1913 - oder das Ende der Menschheit by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book Records of the Spanish Inquisition, Translated from the Original Manuscripts by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book Jacques Louis David: 172 Paintings and Drawings by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book Das Augsburger und Nürnberger Patriziat im Vergleich by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book Public Opinion and the End of Appeasement in Britain and France by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book Histoire des Francs by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book Napoleon I. und das Herzogtum Warschau 1807 bis 1815 by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book Das Menschenbild Niccolo Machiavellis in 'Il Principe' / 'Der Fürst' by J. S. Fletcher
Cover of the book The Landscape of Consumption by J. S. Fletcher
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy