THE WORSHIP OF THE
WEALTHY
G. K. CHESTERTON
SUMMARIZATION:
Gilbert Keith
Chesterton was born on May 29, 1874, in Kensington, London, England. He was a
famous English writer, philosopher, journalist, and Christian apologist. Known
for his sharp wit and insightful observations, Chesterton wrote in various
genres, including essays, novels, and poetry. He is best known for his mystery
series featuring Father Brown, a Catholic priest-detective.
Chesterton’s writing
often tackled social, political, and religious issues. He was a defender of
Christian values and an opponent of materialism. His works are celebrated for
their humor, clarity, and intellectual depth. Chesterton passed away on June 14,
1936, in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England, leaving behind a legacy of
thought-provoking and timeless writings.
In G.K. Chesterton's
essay The Worship of the Wealthy, he criticizes the social and moral tendencies
of modern society, particularly its glorification of wealth and the wealthy.
Chesterton argues that people often regard rich individuals as inherently superior,
associating their financial success with virtue, intelligence, and hard work.
He challenges this view, emphasizing that wealth is not always earned fairly or
through noble means. In many cases, it is acquired through exploitation, luck,
or inheritance, rather than genuine merit.
Chesterton highlights
how society’s admiration for the wealthy leads to distorted values. People
begin to equate money with morality, overlooking the unethical practices of
some rich individuals. This worship creates a culture where the poor are blamed
for their circumstances and the rich are praised, regardless of their actions
or character. He stresses that such attitudes deepen inequality and erode the
moral fabric of society.
Furthermore,
Chesterton critiques the tendency of the wealthy to seek even more wealth,
often at the expense of others. He contrasts this with the idea of true
greatness, which comes from serving others, fostering justice, and promoting
fairness. He argues that society should celebrate virtue, creativity, and
service rather than mere financial success.
The essay also
underscores the dangers of unchecked capitalism, which can lead to the
concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few. Chesterton warns
against the dehumanizing effects of this system, which prioritizes profit over
human dignity.
In essence,
Chesterton calls for a re-evaluation of society’s priorities, urging people to
value human worth, ethics, and community over material wealth. His essay
remains a powerful critique of societal attitudes that equate financial success
with personal value, a message that resonates even today.
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING
IN ONE WORD/ PHRASE/ SENTENCE.
1.
What theme does Chesterton
explore in The Worship of the Wealthy?
Answer: The theme of flattery.
2.
Why does Chesterton dislike the
way journalists praise the wealthy?
Answer: Because journalists
flatter the wealthy for things they didn’t earn, creating an illusion of
greatness.
3.
What does Chesterton think about
the language journalists use when writing about the wealthy?
Answer: He thinks it is artificial and
inappropriate.
4.
What words does Chesterton
criticize journalists for using when describing the wealthy?
Answer: "Simple,"
"quiet," and "modest."
5.
According to Chesterton, what is
wrong with calling the wealthy "simple" or "modest"?
Answer: These words are often the
opposite of what the wealthy person is, and they misrepresent their true
nature.
6.
What does Chesterton suggest
about the relationship between journalists and the wealthy?
Answer: He suggests that
journalists need the wealthy for their work, and the wealthy praise journalists
for their flattering writing.
7.
How does Chesterton view the
character sketches of the wealthy in the press?
Answer: He believes they reveal
very little about the person and are often unrealistic.
8.
What example of a "simple
and quiet" description does Chesterton mock in the essay?
Answer: The description of
Whiteley’s funeral as "simple and quiet," despite its lavish nature.
9. How does Chesterton feel about
modern journalism's use of exaggerated praise?
Answer: He feels it lacks
originality and fails to properly inform or entertain readers.
10. What does Chesterton suggest
journalists should do if they are going to lie about the wealthy?
Answer: He suggests they should
exaggerate boldly, rather than misrepresenting ordinary traits as
extraordinary.
11. What is Chesterton’s main
criticism of the press when writing about the wealthy?
Answer: He criticizes the press
for over-glorifying the wealthy and using artificial language to make them seem
exceptional.
12. How does Chesterton feel about
the description of the wealthy as "modest"?
Answer: He feels it is ridiculous
and not true, especially when referring to extravagant lifestyles or events
like funerals.
13. What does Chesterton think the
press should focus on in journalism?
Answer: He believes journalism
should be informative and entertaining, not excessively flattering.
14. How does Chesterton describe the
effect of excessive flattery on the ordinary reader?
Answer: He warns that ordinary
people should not be fooled by the journalists' praises, as the wealthy are no
different from them except for their money.
15. What is Chesterton’s attitude
towards the journalists’ portrayal of the rich?
Answer: He is annoyed and
frustrated by their use of exaggerated and meaningless praise.
SHORT NOTES
1. Critique of Journalistic Flattery:
In The Worship of the
Wealthy, G.K. Chesterton critiques the media’s tendency to excessively flatter
the rich. He believes that journalists go to great lengths to portray the
wealthy as exceptional individuals, often exaggerating ordinary traits to make them
appear extraordinary. For example, simple hobbies or dislikes of the wealthy
are presented as remarkable, and even dull ideas are framed as profound
thoughts. Chesterton finds this kind of flattery dishonest and misleading, as
it misrepresents the true nature of the rich. Instead of offering an honest
portrayal, the press creates an illusion of greatness around the wealthy.
Chesterton argues that such praise does not stem from merit, but from a desire
to maintain a positive image of the elite, which ultimately distorts the truth
about wealth and power.
2. The Misuse of Words like "Simple" and
"Modest":
Chesterton is
particularly critical of the words journalists use to describe the wealthy,
such as "simple," "quiet," and "modest." He
argues that these terms are often misused to create a false image of humility
and modesty. In reality, the rich often live extravagant lives, and events like
their funerals are far from simple. For example, he mocks the description of
Whiteley’s funeral as "simple and quiet," even though it was filled
with luxury and attended by important people. Chesterton finds this kind of
description absurd and dishonest, as it disguises the truth behind a façade of
modesty. He believes that such language is used to elevate the wealthy by
presenting them as humble and unpretentious, which only adds to the artificial
image created by the press.
3. The Artificial Separation of the Wealthy:
Another key point in
Chesterton’s essay is the way journalists create an artificial separation
between the wealthy and the rest of society. Through their language,
journalists portray the rich as if they are fundamentally different or superior
to ordinary people. This, according to Chesterton, is an attempt to elevate the
wealthy by disconnecting them from the common folk. The use of exaggerated
praise and descriptions that suggest the wealthy are exceptional makes them
seem almost otherworldly. Chesterton criticizes this approach, arguing that the
wealthy are not inherently different from others, except for their wealth. By
praising them in such an exaggerated way, the press contributes to the social
divide, rather than presenting the wealthy as ordinary people who happen to
have money.
4. Chesterton's Preference for Exaggeration Over
Misrepresentation:
Chesterton suggests
that if journalists must lie about the wealthy, they should do so in an overtly
exaggerated manner, rather than misrepresenting their ordinary traits as
extraordinary. He argues that in the past, journalists would exaggerate the
greatness of the rich in a way that was so clearly artificial that it did not
deceive anyone. For example, kings might be compared to the sun or described as
conquerors of the world, which everyone knew was an exaggeration. Chesterton
finds this kind of over-the-top praise less harmful than the current trend of
misrepresenting the wealthy as humble or intelligent when they are not. He
prefers a more obvious form of flattery, as it is less likely to deceive people
into believing falsehoods. This preference for exaggeration over subtle
misrepresentation reflects Chesterton’s frustration with the media’s dishonest
portrayal of the rich.
Critically appreciate the worship of the wealthy -G. K
Chesterton.
Answer: In The
Worship of the Wealthy, G.K. Chesterton presents a sharp critique of the
media's tendency to flatter the rich. Written as part of his All Things
Considered collection, the essay focuses on how journalists praise the wealthy,
often to an exaggerated and artificial degree. Chesterton argues that this kind
of praise is not only misleading but also harmful, as it creates an illusion of
greatness around those who may not deserve it.
At the heart of the
essay is Chesterton’s concern with flattery. He believes that the press,
instead of presenting an honest view of the wealthy, goes to extremes in their
descriptions. Journalists often take ordinary traits or behaviors of the rich
and present them as extraordinary. For instance, simple hobbies like disliking
doctors or liking cats are exaggerated into signs of greatness, just because
the person is wealthy. Chesterton sees this as dishonest because it
misrepresents the reality of these individuals' lives.
Moreover, Chesterton
criticizes the way the press portrays the rich as intelligent or deep thinkers.
He points out that even if a wealthy person has no remarkable thoughts or
ideas, journalists will frame their opinions as if they were profound. This is another
form of flattery, where even the most basic or dull statements are made to
sound intelligent. Chesterton’s frustration lies in the fact that such
portrayals are far from accurate and only serve to inflate the image of the
wealthy.
One of Chesterton’s
most biting critiques is of the way the press describes the rich’s lavish
lifestyles as "modest" or "simple." He finds this
particularly irritating when such descriptions are applied to extravagant
events like funerals, where the wealthy are said to have "simple"
ceremonies, even though they are filled with luxury and attended by important
figures. Chesterton mocks this portrayal, asking whether a funeral could only
be simple if it involved human sacrifice. For him, this kind of description is
absurd and dishonest, as it hides the truth behind the appearance of modesty.
Chesterton’s
dissatisfaction with the press extends beyond the flattery of the wealthy. He
also criticizes journalists for lacking originality in their writing. The
constant use of the same few words—"simple," "quiet," and
"modest"—to describe the rich makes their writing predictable and
unimaginative. Chesterton feels that such repetition reflects a deeper problem
in journalism: the press is more interested in maintaining a flattering image
of the wealthy than in presenting an honest or creative account of reality.
In conclusion,
Chesterton argues that the way journalists portray the wealthy is not only
misleading but also damaging. By turning ordinary traits into extraordinary
ones and calling lavish lives "modest," they create a false image of
greatness that ultimately harms the public's understanding of wealth and class.
Chesterton suggests that if the press must lie about the wealthy, they should
at least do so in an exaggerated, overtly artificial way, rather than
misrepresenting the truth with empty praise. The essay serves as a critique of
both the wealthy and the media that supports them, calling for a more honest
and straightforward approach to journalism.
Summarize "The Worship of the Wealthy" by
G.K. Chesterton.
Answer: In The
Worship of the Wealthy, G.K. Chesterton focuses on the theme of flattery,
especially how journalists excessively praise the wealthy. From the start, Chesterton
expresses his discomfort with this flattery. He believes that journalists go
too far in glorifying the rich, often when they haven’t done much to deserve
it, and that most of their wealth is inherited. The flattery is not based on
any real achievement but creates an illusion of greatness. Chesterton dislikes
the way journalists write about the wealthy, using simple and excessive
language that seems artificial. The way they describe the rich disconnects them
from the rest of society, making them seem exceptional when, in fact, they
might not be.
What's also
interesting is that Chesterton seems to dislike both the wealthy and the
journalists, leading some critics to think that he may be overgeneralizing.
Journalists, according to Chesterton, need the wealthy to maintain their
careers, while the wealthy benefit from the flattering press. However, these
character sketches by journalists don’t reveal much about the person being described;
especially when they use words like "simple," "quiet," and
"modest," which may not even reflect the wealthy person's true
character. Instead of creating an accurate portrayal, these exaggerated
descriptions only serve to please the rich, building them up as greater than
they really are. Chesterton feels a calmer, more honest approach would be
better.
Chesterton also warns
that ordinary people shouldn’t be deceived by these journalistic praises. The
wealthy, apart from their money, are no different from anyone else. Chesterton
criticizes the excessive detail journalists use to describe wealthy people’s
appearances, while offering far less for others. His biggest irritation is with
the overuse of the words "simple," "quiet," and
"modest," which he believes are misused to inflate the image of the
wealthy. This is likely the main reason he wrote the essay. These three words
seem to distort reality, and whether the reader agrees with Chesterton’s view
is left to personal judgment.
At the end of the
essay, Chesterton draws attention to how ridiculous this over-the-top language
can seem, especially in serious moments. He cannot stand how a journalist
described Whiteley’s funeral as "simple and quiet" when it was
anything but. Chesterton points out that journalists lack originality, and
their repetitive use of certain words leaves the reader questioning the quality
of their writing. Journalism, according to Chesterton, should be informative
and occasionally entertaining, but the kind of writing he reads fails to do
either. Chesterton’s frustration grows with every repetitive description of the
rich, and by the end of the essay, he feels so drained that he imagines using
exaggerated praise for the next wealthy person he meets.
Critically appreciate "The Worship of the
Wealthy" by G.K. Chesterton.
Answer: In G.K.
Chesterton's essay, The Worship of the Wealthy, he criticizes how the media
portrays the rich. He compares how the wealthy were exaggeratedly praised in
the past to how today they are glorified for ordinary traits. Chesterton points
out that the press often describes the wealthy as smart and their extravagant
lifestyles as modest. He concludes by suggesting that if we must lie about the
wealthy, it would be better to exaggerate boldly rather than misrepresenting
their common traits and lives.
In The Worship of the
Wealthy, Chesterton criticizes how the press writes about the very rich. He
starts by comparing how the wealthy were described in the past to how they are
portrayed in his time. In the past, writers knew the wealthy were ordinary, so
they exaggerated their praises. They might compare a king to the sun or say he
conquered the world with a single sword. This kind of praise was so
over-the-top that it didn’t connect with the real person.
Chesterton says the
way we praise the rich today is more "poisonous." He explains this in
several ways. First, normal traits or hobbies, like disliking doctors or liking
cats, are made to seem amazing. Because someone is wealthy, their boring habits
are treated like they are remarkable and special.
Second, even if
someone is not very smart, they are presented as intelligent, with their simple
ideas being shown as if they are deep philosophical thoughts.
Third, their
extravagant lifestyle is described as "modest," "simple,"
and "quiet." Chesterton finds this especially annoying when the
funerals of the rich are called modest and simple, even when they include
expensive flowers and are attended by powerful people. He mocks this, asking if
they are simple because no human sacrifices were made at the grave.
Overall, Chesterton
argues that if we’re going to lie about the wealthy, we should do it the old
way by wildly exaggerating their qualities, rather than pretending their normal
traits are extraordinary or calling their luxurious lives modest.
