Flaubert's Madame Bovary is considered by many to be the finest novel ever written and in purely novelistic terms, perhaps it is a candidate.The nineteenth century book examines how a young wife explores what she is; pursues her own goals; develops an independent spirit and gives free rein to her sexuality.
In so many ways this revolutionary, nineteenth century novel anticipates the feminism which was to develop between then and the present day. [It is certainly a bible for sixth formers who are taking their first steps into the feminist abyss.]
The novel is, in essence, a study in selfishness; something which would become a template for so much of the destructive behaviour in today's society.
Emma Bovary shuns all convention - but conventions are not always wrong - they develop for sound social purposes.
An abandonment of duty and social responsibility must never be what libertarian thinking is about.
The leftwing version of libertarian philosophy is based on the apparent reasonableness of the 'if it itches then scratch it' types of thinking.
We must 'all do our own thing' but it is no great surprise that this cuts right across the greater needs of society.
It is not without irony that the left tries to create dictatorial societies in which individuals are granted licence to engage in irresponsible conduct.
This contradiction is one more reason why socialism is ultimately destined always to fail.
