Words&Dirt

“In September 2005, following the London Tube bombings, Manningham-Buller (now chief of MI5) advocated that ‘there needs to be a debate on whether some erosion of civil liberties we all value may be necessary to improve the chances of our citizens not being blown apart as they go about their daily lives.’

I realized later that (at least American) political elites were not really anxious to take on Manningham-Buller’s question. Far easier to criticize intelligence agencies for not doing enough when they feel in danger, while reserving the right to criticize those agencies for doing too much when they feel safe again.

That’s a pity. Avoiding the hard choices creates a whipsaw effect, based on the perceptions of the moment, and ultimately costs us both freedom and security.”

––Playing to the Edge: American Intelligence in the Age of Terror, by Michael V. Hayden, pg. 34-5

“‘As soon as we’re confident of a majority, you must go back to your cell, and stay away from here until it’s all over.’

Philip was puzzled by this proposal. ‘Why?’

‘Familiarity breeds contempt.’ Milius waved the sharpened knife enthusiastically. ‘Forgive me if I sound disrespectful, but you did ask. At the moment you’ve got an aura. You’re a remote, sanctified figure, especially to us younger monks. You worked a miracle at that little cell, reforming it and making it self-sufficient. You’re a tough disciplinarian but you feed your monks well. You’re a born leader but you can bow your head and accept rebuke like the youngest novice. You know the Scriptures and you make the best cheese in the country.’

‘And you exaggerate’

‘Not much.’

‘I can’t believe people think of me like that––it’s not natural.’

‘Indeed it’s not,’ Milius acknowledged with another little shrug. ‘And it won’t last once they get to know you. If you stayed here you’d lose that aura. They’d see you pick your teeth and scratch your arse, they’d hear you snore and fart, they’d find out what you’re like when you’re bad-tempered or your pride is hurt or your head aches. We don’t want them to do that. Let them watch Remigius blunder and bungle from day to day while your image remains shining and perfect in their minds.’”

––The Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett, loc. 2424-33