Percy Bysshe Shelley’s sonnet, Ozymandias, is a cautionary tale on the perils of hubris, better known as exaggerated pride. In the poem an ancient king’s bold words, etched into the pedestal of a once great stone monument, speak arrogantly of his accomplishments that were intended to stand against the test of time. King Ozymandias, also known as Ramesses II, is so pleased with himself that he calls for others to “look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!” How much political rhetoric has exuded this same level of pretentiousness throughout the sands of time?
Dougald B. MacEachen, a scholar of Shelley’s works, suggests that the central theme of Ozymandias contrasts “the inevitable decline of all leaders and of the empires they build with their pretensions to greatness.” We know that nothing on this Earth endures forever. The Third Reich, intended to last a millennium, is a modern example of this sonnet’s premise. Leaders rise and fall. Empires crumble. Sometimes this is a desirable outcome. Donald Trump take heed.
Just as the erosive power of wind and water wear and wither away all things, so too do humans. As we very recently saw in the United Kingdom, unions do not last. What took years to build was torn down by a 51.9 per cent vote. The extent of social despair that may arise out of the dust and debris of this decision may not be fully known for years. The political banter and debate in the Brexit referendum was deemed erosive and divisive. Did voters truly know the issues at hand? Did politicians stir this to a frenzy with misinformation and fear mongering?
In the end, through a democratic process, the exit majority won. The U.K., even though not all constituents (e.g. Scotland) were in support, will leave the European Union. Did some people see this as a wrinkled lip protest vote? Was hubris a factor? Will we observe the rise of nationalism once more in Europe? The dust may take a while to settle but the economic impact has been swift as the value of currency has eroded.
It is said that if you want to go fast – go alone. If you want to go far however, go together. The U.K. exit may breed isolationism. More countries may wish to take their leave. We may see more stone walls being built as a result. While Robert Frost will argue good fences make good neighbours, they also are barriers to collaboration and beacons of xenophobia. Is it easier to build a wall or tear down the barriers that lead to understanding and cooperation? Trump – you listening? Boast all you want about the Mexican and Canadian walls but … winter is coming.
Shelley’s sonnet ends with sombre, if not cautionary words: “Nothing beside remains. Round the decay of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare, the lone and level sands stretch far away.” Ozymandias has nothing left of that which he once boasted to the world. Dynasties and empires may fall but humans can prevail. Politicians need to build, not tear down.
Perhaps it is the pillars of reason, compassion, empathy, tolerance and understanding that made a better foundation, that make a better world, that might resist the sands of time and the cold sneer of boastful politicians.
Tim Cusack is an educator, writer, and a member of the naval reserve.
