Sigma’s Simulacrum of Reality

Recently I’ve had a disruption of sorts in my life. One of the results of this is my sudden desire to devour as much classic socio-economic and political books as I can before I die.

About 4 months ago I finished the The Communist Manifesto, The Prince (surprisingly very easy to read) and Sun Tzu’s Art of War. Heck, I even threw in half of Analects of Confucius and What The Buddha Thought (a great introduction to Buddhism for beginners) in the mix.

Recently I’ve just borrowed John Locke’s Two Treatise on Government. I started with the second half of it as I’ve heard it’s his masterpiece and laid the foundations for the American Revolution. Just started on it, so can’t give a review yet. But got to say his prose is more of the old school kind and is more difficult to read as a result.

Next I intend to read Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s The Social Contract, which offered an alternative version of government philosophy compared to John Locke. And I’m also gonna start with Adam Smith’s grand piece The Wealth of Nations.

Yes, I’m a political-philosophy tragic. Political theories to me are what drugs are to junkies.

As promised, some acerbic vintage Paul Keating performances. Keating was renowned for his ‘gutter-style’ performances during Question Time and remains one of the Australian Labor Party’s best attack dogs. Sure he totally lacks Blair’s polished pokes, but who needs that when he’s got the terrific ability to bait and rile up his opponents?

Ahh, past Labor glories

Ridiculing Peter Costello who has shown time and time again that he has got no backbone in initiating leadership challenges against John Howard

Epic censure motion by the then Opposition Leader John Howard against PM Paul Keating, and his reply to it

Tony Blair during better days. Great parliamentary performer. Aside from presenting the facts of govt, these sessions are also suppose to be opportunities for both side to up the rhetorics and rally their troops. Blair did exactly that here.

I’ll post some acerbic Paul Keating classics next.