Note: I’m going to cross-post this to my new Freethought History substack, where today I also posted an essay on the many biographies of Thomas Paine that have been written in the two centuries since his death. People who read my history stuff here may find it interesting.
“… What infinite heart’s-ease
Must kings neglect, that private men enjoy!
And what have kings, that privates have not too,
Save ceremony, save general ceremony?” [Henry V, act 4 scene 1]