Observation and advice contained in a letter written by Robbie Burns, Scottish poet and philosopher. On 20th February 1793, Burns included a political catechism in his letter:

Quere, What is Politics?

Answer, Politics is a science wherewith, by means of nefarious cunning and hypocritical pretence, we govern civil Politics for the emolument of ourselves and our adherents.

Quere, What is a Minister?

Answer, a Minister is an unprincipled fellow, who by the influence of hereditary or acquired wealth; by superior abilities; or by a lucky conjecture of circumstances, obtains a principal place in the administration of the affairs of government.

Quere, What is a Patriot?

Answer, an individual exactly of the same description as a Minister, only, out of place.

1. Politics = a science that uses evil cunning and hypocritical motives for the benefit of those doing it.

2. A minister (politician) = an unethical person who has attained influence in some manner and has used it to obtain a place in government.

3. patriot = same as a minister only not in the government (wants to be for all the above stated reasons)