After more than 2000 years the main character is still a controversial figure...
NB. I know there is no scientific proof he actually did burn books, but that's what the legend has said for millenia now.
He ruled the world, the whole world
He ruled all under heaven
And now it was time for change
Who needed priests and writers?
Who needs a moral compass
If you have an iron fist?
No need to educate them
For religion was poison
Philosophy was poison
He ordered the soldiers out
Seize the books, destroy the old
Burn down all the libraries
Bury the scholars alife
Then, when all old brains were killed
When no single temple still stood
When no books were left on earth
He mobilized the peasants
He marked them with hot iron
Glowing steel pressed in their face
He had destroyed the old gods
Now they bowed to him alone
The only one living god
He was the son of Heaven
And the people worshipped him
His grave is still the greatest
Unmatched by the piramids
|
To Fledermaus
Written by Josie (2847 comments posted) 17th October 2007 |
| Human nature never changes. All dictators rule in this way. Mao ordered that books and works of art (and music from the Western world) be destroyed. Then they set out to kill the living spirit within people step by step. It is amazing how they can even succeed in influencing people enough to make them believe in them. When people in China were stoning the birds, who they told were the reason why they had no food, they still followed what they were told blindly - couldn't see that the fault lay in the dictator. You do wonder if we could all be brainwashed in the same way in our country? |
Written by Bottleblondesurfer (3569 comments posted) 17th October 2007 |
When they start by burning books they end by burning people. They are cheered when they burn the books and by the time they get round to doing to the people it is too late. Dictators thrive on fear and ignorance as does religion
A powerful bit of writing
Jane |
Written by Phil (6963 comments posted) 17th October 2007 |
Yep, it is pretty powerful. More for its application to many, rather than a specific individual. I did wonder if the last lines shouldn't have been left like that. He may have a magnificent grave, but he's still dead, like the rest of us will be one day.
Phil. |
Written by Fledermaus (3492 comments posted) 17th October 2007 |
Thanks Josie and BBS.
Josie: I deliberately chose a leader long dead, yet you're right, it could be any dictator. I think most of them start off with idealism and good intentions, but it's impossible to make people tell the truth if they fear you.
I do think that over here governments and media try to make people think a certain way too, but they're more cunning and less brutal.
BBS: Heinrich Heine... I keep forgetting the man's name. Great quote.
I think it's fear and ignorance indeed. Yet all ideologies thrive on those, even our present day 'democracy'. |
Written by Fledermaus (3492 comments posted) 17th October 2007 |
Thanks Phil.
Yes, very dead and his dynasty didn't last longer than three generations. On the other hand though, his tomb is the largest in the world as far as I know; built by peasants forced into slavery and then burried along with him... |
Written by maipenrai (784 comments posted) 18th October 2007 |
good write that gets one thinking, your question at the end?
I think there is a danger of that, I suspect that the advent of dumb down tv is not something that just happenend but a set programme by political partys on behalf of multi-nationals, keep the people happy with their celeb tv/media, the thought process slows, they are fed constant mind numbing crap they will become more easier to handle, breed generations of know nothings and you have complete control, ask Mr.M , that guy knows what he is doing. |
Written by Fledermaus (3492 comments posted) 18th October 2007 |
Thanks maipenrai. Interesting plot theory, and somehow I'm beginning to believe it more and more, for somehow it seems the media want to turn all noses in the same direction. MTV and its clones just broadcast R&B and gangsta rap. The government looks the other way when people use drugs or kids drink alcohol (less braincells), the level of academic studies goes down every year and groups who may have different views about capitalism and consumerism are either ridiculed (Christianity, hippies, goths, wicca) or demonized (Muslims, communists)...
Shi Huandi burried the intellectuals alife, our governments just take the time and destroy intelligence over a few generations...
Pane et circensis....
But now I'm probably a far way from what this poem was about.
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