Bush and the Tolstoy Syndrome

That is a clip from A Charge to Keep, Bush the younger’s favorite painting because he believes it reflects pioneering ideals — he sees a man forging on into the wilderness, blazing a trail for all to follow. The reality is somewhat different. That Harper’s article goes on to explain that Bush has “Tolstoy Syndrome,” something I’d never heard of before. But I like the idea and can already think of some other people it applies to.

That is, he is completely convinced he knows what things are, so he shuts down all avenues of inquiry about them and disregards the information that is offered to him. This is the hallmark of a tragically bad executive. But in this case, it couldn’t be more precious. The president of the United States has identified closely with a man he sees as a mythic, heroic figure. But in fact he’s a wily criminal one step out in front of justice. It perfectly reflects Bush the man. . . and Bush the president.