A Modest Proposal Politics Quotes Page 3
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| Quote #7 But as to myself, having been wearied out for many years with offering vain, idle, visionary thoughts, and at length utterly despairing of success, I fortunately fell upon this proposal, which, as it is wholly new, so it hath something solid and real. (30) |
Swift isn't just upset by political greed. He wants to start a discussion about solutions.
| Quote #8 After all, I am not so violently bent upon my own opinion as to reject any offer, proposed by wise men, which shall be found equally innocent, cheap, easy, and effectual. (31) |
In other words, wise men aren't so easy to come by.
| Quote #9 But before something of that kind shall be advanced in contradiction of that scheme, and offering a better, I desire the author or authors will be pleased maturely to consider two points. (31) |
If there's anything Swift liked, it was a good political argument. He heads his opponents off at the pass by anticipating their counterpoints.
