“We began our observations concerning the Earthlings by suggesting they were insane in accordance with their own definition. No better evidence of their insanity exists than when we inquired into their views of “success.”

“Earthlings pity the person with an insatiable appetite who as a result of his disorder becomes so obese he can no longer waddle even to the dinner table. But they laud those who suffer from a similar greed for money. They shun those who are sexually insatiable, referring to them as “sluts” or “nymphomaniacs.” But those with an insatiable craving for money are held in the greatest esteem. Those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs are treated as ill and seen as socially unacceptable, but those who are addicted to the endless acquisition of wealth are endlessly admired.”

“Money also is seen as a desirable substitute for most other worthy human traits. For example, an ugly person with money is often coveted as a mate whereas an ugly person without money is usually not, leading us to conclude that money stands for beauty. A dishonest person with much money is likely to obtain a loan of more money than an honest person without money, leading is to conclude that money stands for honesty.”

“A dullard who never exhibited an original thought in his life, but who has money is more likely to be found in the higher echelons of the system than a person with original and startling ideas who has no money at all, leading us to conclude that money stands for creativity. A product that sells for more is considered to contain more intrinsic worth than a better product that sells for less, leading us to conclude that money stands for quality. An artist whose work is common and mundane but who can exchange it for money is considered a better artist than one whose creations are original and unique but who cannot sell his work, leading us to conclude that money stands for taste.”

“Those who have money are considered wise, while those who have little are often thought to be fools, leading us to conclude that money stands for sagacity. Those who do nothing but permit their money to earn money are considered to be virtuous while those who have no money are who pursue none are often considered lazy.”

“Stranger still, those who are born with money rarely produce anything of worth but are yet considered worthy, while those who acquire large amounts of money are usually as dull and uninteresting as money itself. Yet one with money will be listened to even though he squawks like a chicken while poor poets go unnoticed. If one steals a little money he is considered a common thief. But if one steals huge amounts of money he is considered a successful business man. Indeed, these Earthlings are insane.”

“Yet the species displays a divine connection to the light and grace of the universe. Their poets and artists are inspired though little heard. Their tenderness can be as pure and perfect as the bloom of the lily. Their love can be passionate, their courage the courage of the gods. They are both mechanical and spontaneous, lifeless and creative, insensitive and exquisitely aware. They can hate and adore with equal force. They can be both intelligent and inexplicably obtuse. They can be maddeningly objective or objectively mad, it being beyond out ability to predict which trait will be evidenced at any moment. Albeit they are quite insane, they are, indeed, most remarkable and charming creatures.”

From Freedom to Slavery, The Rebirth of Tyranny in America. (St. Martin’s Press, N.Y. 1993)

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