Some months ago, I got G. K. Chesterton's book, What's Wrong with the World; and gradually have tried to digest it. Here below , near the end of the book, is my first entry.
In the closing chapter, under the title of "A Last Instance", he tells a story using two symbolic-political characters named Hudge and Gudge. The first, Hudge, is described as a idealist- progressive; one who is seemingly in search and support of human rights. The second, Gudge, is the plutocrat that, with amassed wealth, is always seeking to grow his fortune.
In the story, Chesterton begins by noting that these two appear to be at odds, opposed as observed in some corridors of a congress; and in this display, divide the population into one camp or the other, capitalist or progressive. Chesterton believes however that secretly these two (types) are in partnership, co-conspirators in the hidden corners of those corridors.
Chesterton writes,
Gudge wants women-workers because they are cheaper [while] Hudge calls the women's work "freedom to live her own life."He explains: Gudge wants steady and obedient workmen (and women...a tame and obedient population that will not resist tyranny, while Hudge proves from Tolstoy that nobody must take up arms against anything. Gudge rules (in truth) by a course and cruel system...which is totally inconsistent with the free family--and "which is bound to destroy it". Hudge endorses and enervates Gudge by projecting the family as an artifact; this pillar of a strong society as something that has served its time and is no longer needed, even wanted.
Hudge, Gudge and their ilk are against freedom, families and society.
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