Pratchett: more Parton than Piketty
Good to see Robert Shrimsley at the Financial Times making the case for Terry Pratchett. It is, however, a sign of our times that Pratchett is rising in influence having been picked up from the political left (by campaigner Jack Monroe, who has used an idea from Pratchett to frame a new index of inflation focused on low-income households).
Still, the wisdom contained in humour is permanently out of fashion with Serious People (TM), and anything that advances its status is to be welcomed, even if it risks narrowing Pratchett’s breadth of view into something more partisan.
I was reminded of the brief appreciation I wrote for City AM when Pratchett died, which recalled his more, dare I say, neoliberal side.
“It is the rich, human mess of the marketplace, under the rule of law, that his heroes strive to protect. Through Pratchett’s generous gaze we see not only the absurdities of a commercial civilisation, but also its abiding value.”
One of the rare talents that Pratchett’s work possesses is its ability to appeal across political boundaries. It’s a quality he shares with Dolly Parton, and few others. I hope if his stock rises it isn’t at the price of being captured by only one side.
Good to see Robert Shrimsley at the Financial Times making the case for Terry Pratchett. It is, however, a sign of our times that Pratchett is rising in influence having been picked up from the political left (by campaigner Jack Monroe, who has used an idea from Pratchett to frame a new index of inflation focused on low-income households).
Still, the wisdom contained in humour is permanently out of fashion with Serious People (TM), and anything that advances its status is to be welcomed, even if it risks narrowing Pratchett’s breadth of view into something more partisan.
I was reminded of the brief appreciation I wrote for City AM when Pratchett died, which recalled his more, dare I say, neoliberal side.
“It is the rich, human mess of the marketplace, under the rule of law, that his heroes strive to protect. Through Pratchett’s generous gaze we see not only the absurdities of a commercial civilisation, but also its abiding value.”
One of the rare talents that Pratchett’s work possesses is its ability to appeal across political boundaries. It’s a quality he shares with Dolly Parton, and few others. I hope if his stock rises it isn’t at the price of being captured by only one side.