Kipling Knew What We Seem to Have Forgotten.

The article discusses the relevance of Rudyard Kipling's 1919 poem "The Gods of the Copybook Headings" in contemporary society, particularly in light of historical and modern optimism that often leads to disillusionment. Kipling contrasts the transient "gods of the marketplace," representing faddish ideas, with the enduring wisdom of the "gods of the copybook headings," which convey fundamental truths about human nature and civilization. The author highlights the risks of ignoring these truths, citing examples from both left and right ideologies, and emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and virtue in sustaining civilization. Despite acknowledging Kipling's pessimism, the article also points to emerging trends that suggest a potential revival of traditional values and wisdom. [Extracted from the article]