16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
ship except in the largest sense, we nevertheless
adhere strictly to the naval tradition which
forbids the discussion of religion, women, or
politics in our mess. It has been objected that
this rule makes for insipidity, which may be so;
yet on the other hand it has its uses, since in
this case for example it prevents any member
from wounding any other gentleman present
by saying that he did not think the policy that
put Socrates to death and that left Athens
prostrate was the highest expression of human
wisdom, or by quoting Aristotle's definition of
democracy as mob-rule, the depraved version
of a commonwealth.'
'Can you suggest a better system?' asked
Dutourd.
'Sir,' said Stephen, 'my words were those of
some hypothetical person: where my own
views are concerned, tradition seals my
mouth. As I have told you, we do not discuss