It's No Joke

An SPC'er recently came across two interesting comments. In Lost Battles, by Jonathan Jones, which deals extensively with the rivalry between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, we find the following gem regarding Florence's attempt to conquer Pisa: "But there could be no bigger joke, it might seem to us, than a republic that fought year after year, wasting blood and money, causing misery and suffering, just to conquer a neighbouring city thirty or so miles away."

This and similar wars in Italy were caused by powerful families who wanted to unite Italy into a capitalist state like their western European counterparts. The pressure of commercial interests was obviously of much greater importance than years of misery and suffering, and, certainly, no capitalist would be in the front line.

It might be a joke to Mr. Jones, though one doubts those affected with "misery and suffering" were laughing. 

John Ayers.