384. DSC 202: Unit V: The Worship of Wealthy (3)

THE WORSHIP OF WEALTHY

1.Author

G.K. CHESTERTONBorn: 29 May 1874, Kensington, London UK and died on14 June 1936, Beaconsfield, UK.He was an English writer, philosopher, lay theologian and literary and art critic.He has been referred to as the Prince of Paradox. He was educated at St Paul’s School, later obtained degree of English Literature from the University College London. He chose to be a writer, as his tastes were literary and journalistic. As Journalist, he wrote essays on social criticism. The 

 essay ‘The Worship of the Wealthy’ is an excellent example of social criticism. The scintillating wit and paradoxical style sparkle with the glow of glamour and novelty make the common reader peep through his style in describing day to day incidents which are left unnoticed.

2. PLOT

The Worship of the Wealthy is a fine essay by Gilbert Keith Chesterton which is also known for its charming wit and satirical vein.

In this essay, he exposes the weakness and flaws in the society which are presened in a very light hearted manner; There is fine blending of humour and wit in this essay too. It appeals both to our heart and head. His style of writing in a paradoxical manner makes him both entertaining and interesting. This essay is the way of flattering the wealthy and the great persons. It presents the various ways of praising the rich and the influential people in society.

G.k. Chesterton gives a list of flatterers in the essay. He also gives a few examples of the way the old flatterers praised their rich masters.

If they wanted to praise the king, they would attribute to him the most impossible and improbable things.

For example, they would say that the king resembled the sun and that they had to shade their eyes when he entered the room.

He criticizes the media's portrayal of the wealthy. He contrasts the past's exaggerated praises with the current trend of glorifying mundane traits of the rich and extraordinary. Chesterton also points out how the press often frames the rich as intelligent and their lavish lifestyles as modest. He concludes by suggesting that if lies must be told about the rich, they should be outrageously exaggerated rather than misrepresenting their ordinary traits and lifestyles.

Chesterton criticizes the way very wealthy people are written about in the popular press. He begins the essay by contrasting the way wealthy and powerful people were written about in the past to the way they are presented in Chesterton's time. In the past, he says that writers knew the wealthy were ordinary. As a result they simply went straight for over-the-top, vastly exaggerated praise. They might, for example, compare a king to a sun at noonday or say with his single sword he had conquered the world. The "safety" of this was that it was so artificial it bore no relation to the real person.

Chesterton says in contrast, that the way we praise the wealthy now is much more "poisonous." This happens in several ways. First, ordinary traits or hobbies, such as hating doctors or liking cats are treated as if they are extraordinary. Because a person is wealthy, his or her's boring and mundane things are treated as stunning and special.

Second, even if the person is stupid, he will be treated as if he were intelligent. His very dull and ordinary thought framed as if he had read and rejected sophisticated philosophy.

Third, his lavish way of life will be treated as if it is "modest", "simple" and "quiet." This is especially annoying when the funerals of the rich are described as modest and simple, when they include lavish flowers, for example, and are attended by all the most important people. Chesterton mocks this, asking: are they simple because there was no human sacrifice on the grave?

In sum, Chesterton argues that if we are going to lie about the rich, we should do it in the old-fashioned way by erasing exaggeration, not by pretending their ordinary traits are extraordinary or by declaring their lavish lifestyles are modest and simple.

1. Summary

A:- "The Worship of the Wealthy” is an essay written by G.K. Chesterton, a British writer, poet, and philosopher. In this essay, Chesterton explores the societal tendency to venerate and admire the wealthy, and he offers a critical perspective on the values associated with materialism and the pursuit of riches.

In “The Worship of the Wealthy,” Chesterton begins by observing that modern society often places a high value on wealth and success. He notes that people tend to admire and even idolize those who are wealthy, attributing to them a certain superiority and wisdom solely based on their financial status. He presents this phenomenon as a form of worship, where society elevates the wealthy to a status akin to that of deities.

Chesterton argues that this worship of the wealthy is a distortion of true values. He contends that wealth, in itself, is not a reliable indicator of virtue or wisdom. He suggests that the qualities that lead to financial success, such as ambition, competitiveness, and a focus on material gain, may not necessarily contribute to the betterment of society or the cultivation of true human virtues.

The essay delves into the idea that the worship of the wealthy can have negative consequences for both individuals and society as a whole. Chesterton asserts that when society places such a high emphasis on wealth, it can lead to a devaluation of other important aspects of life, such as moral character, creativity, and spiritual growth. He criticizes the mindset that equates material accumulation with personal worth and argues that true human value should be based on more meaningful and enduring qualities.

Chesterton also examines the role of inequality in society and how it relates to the worship of the wealthy. He suggests that the focus on wealth can exacerbate social divisions and create a sense of alienation among different classes. He proposes that a healthier and more just society would be one in which individuals are valued for their contributions to the common good, rather than solely for their financial achievements.

In the conclusion of the essay, Chesterton advocates for a shift in societal values away from the worship of the wealthy and toward a more balanced and holistic perspective on human worth. He calls for a recognition of the importance of individual character, morality, and creativity, and he suggests that a society that values these qualities will ultimately be more harmonious and fulfilling for all its members.

Overall, “The Worship of the Wealthy” is a thought-provoking essay that challenges prevailing attitudes toward wealth and success. Chesterton’s critique of materialism and his call for a reevaluation of societal values remain relevant today, prompting readers to consider what truly constitutes a meaningful and fulfilling life.