The art of government is the organization of idolatry. The bureaucracy consists of functionaries; the aristocracy, of idols; the democracy, of idolaters. The populace cannot understand the bureaucracy: it can only worship the national idols.

Summary

This quote, attributed to French writer and philosopher Charles Baudelaire, suggests that the art of government revolves around creating a system in which people idolize and adhere to various structures. Bureaucracy is seen as made up of functionaries, who hold power and authority in the political realm. The aristocracy, on the other hand, is perceived as a group of idols, or figures to be admired and followed. Finally, democracy is portrayed as consisting of idolaters, individuals who worship the national idols, while lacking a deep understanding of the bureaucratic processes. In essence, the quote conveys the idea that governmental power is maintained in part through the idolization and reverence of its different components.

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