In a previous post I said I wanted to see the world “philistine”* re-enter common usage. Why? Because philistines and their rampant philistinism are at an all-time high. Don’t struggle to describe these people — use the perfect word!
Since we’re rediscovering the word, let’s use it in a sentence:
“Religious dogma, social convention, and philistinism are the hammer, tong, and anvil of mediocrity.” ~Robert Mitchell
I wish you would quote me on this. I really really do. In fact, if you quote me on your blog or website and post a link to it in the comments below, I will email you a coupon for a free download of my novel Ghilan. Or, if you prefer, I will just jump up and down, sing your praises, and generally scamper about and proclaim what a smart and well-informed person you are.
* Philistine (Phi*lis”tine): A person deficient in liberal culture and refinement; one without appreciation of the nobler aspirations and sentiments of humanity; one whose scope is limited to selfish and material interests. (Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 Edition)
UPDATE: Rachel Izabella reblogged my quote. So, as promised, this is a photo of me snapped mid-scamper. As for singing her praises, let me say that Rachel’s blog is fascinating, fun, sometimes funny and other times sad, but always well informed — and she obviously has great taste in quotations. I’d send her a coupon for a free download of my book but she already has it (and didn’t hate it). You rock Rachel!
“Generally scampering about”
Robert Mitchell Jr. 