The National Being · Chapter
XIV explained
The author critiques the new Irish self-government machinery for lacking the signature of the Irish mind, arguing that no thought was given to a form of government befitting Irish character.
What happens
The author critiques the new Irish self-government machinery for lacking the signature of the Irish mind, arguing that no thought was given to a form of government befitting Irish character. He proposes a system of representative government where particular interests are controlled by boards elected from the relevant class or industry, rather than by a general assembly, to ensure efficiency and preserve national character. He also calls for state-organized labor unions and a ministry of labor to protect workers, and outlines a detailed electoral system based on specialized committees.
Themes in this chapter
The National Being and Identity
The author argues that the new self-government machinery lacks the 'signature of the Irish mind' and that a social order must be created to preserve national character.
Cooperative Economics and Rural Community
The author advocates for state-organized labor unions and a ministry of labor, as well as specialized councils for agriculture and trade, to protect workers and farmers.
Balancing Democracy and Aristocracy
The author proposes a system where general interests are handled by a national assembly, but particular interests are controlled by specialized councils elected by the relevant class or industry, aiming to balance democratic representation with expert governance.
Critique of Individualism and Materialism
The author criticizes the neglect of isolated workers and the failure of representative government to address particular interests, leading to social disorder and economic oppression.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator critiques the new Irish self-government machinery and proposes a detailed system of representative government based on class and industry councils.
Key passages
“The signature of the Irish mind is nowhere present in it, and I look upon it with something of the hesitating loyalty the inhabitant of a new Balkan State night feel for his imported prince, doubtful whether that sovereign will reflect the will of his new subjects or whether his policy will not constrain national character into an alien mould.”
The new self-government system lacks any trace of Irish thought, and I view it with the same uncertain loyalty a Balkan citizen might feel for a foreign prince, unsure if he will represent the people or force them into a foreign pattern.
The author expresses doubt that the new political machinery reflects Irish national character.
“If the modification of the representative principle I have outlined was in operation, with each interest or industry organized, and freed from alien interference, the effect might be likened to a disc with the seven primary colors raying from a centre, and made to whirl where the motion produced rather the effect of pure light.”
If my proposed system of organized interests were implemented, it would be like a spinning disc of primary colors that blends into pure light, rather than a muddy mixture.
The author uses a metaphor of light and color to describe his ideal of harmonious, specialized representation.
“Nothing is more lamentable, nothing fills the heart more with despair, than the multitude of isolated workers, sweated, unable to fix a price for their work, ignorant of its true economic value; connected with no union, unable to find anybody to fall back on for help or advice in trouble, neglected altogether by society.”
The most heartbreaking sight is the mass of isolated, exploited workers who cannot set fair prices, lack unions, and have no one to turn to for help, completely abandoned by society.
The author laments the plight of unorganized laborers and calls for state intervention.