The Copybook

Short passages for reading, drawn from history, legend, poetry and fiction.

193

By William Daniell (1769-1837), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Bullies to the Weak, Cowards to the Strong Richard Cobden

Richard Cobden wanted to know why British policy towards China was so different to our policy towards the USA and European powers.

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194

By Georgios Jakobides (1853-1932), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Question More NL Clay

Ordinary people put too much faith in the judgment of experts, which is bad for us and bad for the experts.

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195

By an anonymous artist of the British school, via Dulwich Picture Gallery and Wikimedia Commons. Licence: public domain.

Let Us Kiss and Part Michael Drayton

Michael Drayton’s lady friend breaks up with him, and really it’s a relief, absolutely the best thing to do. Unless...

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196

By an anonymous photographer, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

The Rochdale Pioneers Isa Nicholson

In 1843, a group of working men gathered in Rochdale to discuss how to ease the cost of living for their families, and the Co-op was born.

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197

© BigBrotherMouse, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0.

The Fisherman’s Net Clay Lane

A little fable from ancient Greece about those political activists who make a living from stirring up controversy.

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198

By Dip Chand, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

A Conflict of Interest Adam Smith

Economist Adam Smith warned that when Western commercial interests get involved in policy-making abroad, war and want are sure to follow.

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