Words of Delacroix from 1854

Posted by Suzanne Hill Jul 18, 2008

Delacroix’s July 19 entry from his famous “Journal” reads:

• “…Men scarcely ever base their happiness on the real blessings of life…As they mount, so do their ambitions…As for true happiness, they draw further and further away from it; the blessings and peace of mind, and independence based on modest and easily satisfied aspirations, are denied to them. Their time is at every man’s command and they waste their lives in futile occupations. So long as such men can feel the dignity of wearing ermine and silken robes, and provided that the wind of favour blows in their direction and supports them, they will wear themselves out among dusty papers, gladly devoting themselves to other people’s business. To be a minister of state or a president is a risky position, for it not only endangers a man’s peace of mind but his reputation as well, and puts his character to a severe test. Unless he can rely upon his conscience, he will come to grief amidst the every-increasing dangers to which he is exposed.….”

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I can’t help but consider the nearing presidential election. What kind of man are the candidates? When a man becomes a seeker of power to that extent, and thereby a tool of those who put him into power, and allows himself a limitless exposure to and scrutiny by the media, how difficult must it be for him to retain his self-respect and sense of balance? Does he indeed, as Delacroix hints, lose sight of the simple pleasures of life?

How interesting to me that artist Delacroix shares with his readers his contemplation on such a vast array of topics, including this one.