Word: distrusts
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...scenes set in the early 1970's, at the height of anti-war activism, underline the contrasts between the society of Daniel's young adulthood, and that of his parents: the political faith of both the Isaacsons and the society which condemned them is lost to a cynical distrust of political institutions and ideologies. The change is reflected in Daniel's contrast with his sister. Susan (Amanda Plummer), who inherits her parents political faith, actively parties panting in the anti-war movement while Daniel is a politically apathetic graduate student. The intensity of Susan's involvement in politics eventually leads...
...pressures not only Mao's isolation but his growing distrust of the Soviet Union. "Mao's visits to Russia were not only very short but very unpleasant, " said Hu. Mao believed that the Soviets had bureaucratized their revolution, had betrayed Marxism, were traitors to Communism ? revisionists! If the Soviets had succumbed to bureaucracy, might not the same thing happen in China? Thus, a growing suspicion that revisionism and class enemies might be infecting even his own party. On went Hu, describing the paranoia growing. Mao had disliked intellectuals ever since he had been a $30-a-month librarian...
Which, then, has more application to modern life, the people's phrases or the aristocrats'? Not aphorisms, says the proverb: "Fine words butter no parsnips." Not proverbs, insists Alfred North Whitehead's terse dictum: "Seek simplicity and distrust it." Still, both categories are noted not only for their concision but their consolation. Collectors of aphorisms may yet find support from the biblical proverb "Knowledge increaseth strength." As for the partisans of folk sayings, they can for once side with the fastidious William Wordsworth...
...there is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust," wrote James Madison back in 1788, "so there are other qualities in human nature which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence. Republican government presupposes the existence of these qualities in a higher degree than any other form." Madison bet on that. Perhaps it is time to reaffirm the belief that there still is sufficient virtue among us for citizens to play a leading role in government...
There is something else to consider: America may no longer be so enthralled by the freshness and energy of youth. There is a detectable distrust of brilliance not tempered or cooled by experience. The qualities that many Americans feel are most needed in a President today-historical perspective, intuition, patience, courage, wisdom-are those most likely to come from long, sweaty years in the arena. The complexities of the issues, not to mention the gravity of international relations in a nuclear age, may require that our Presidents serve as understudies longer than ever before...