In this issue: we had o3 translate and summarize the recent German-language book Das Protokoll. The book provides a fresh glimpse of how protocols have evolved and proliferated over time. While this summary will surely miss details and nuance of the original version, it's been hand-edited to highlight many of the most relevant insights.
While this summary will surely miss details and nuance of the original version, it's been hand-edited to highlight many of the most relevant insights. In the age of Louis XIV, protocol determined whether you would kiss the king's hem or be thrown out the palace gates. A commemorative coin minted in 1661 shows the Sun King rising from his throne to greet kneeling petitioners, flanked by children, under the motto facilis ad principem aditus — "easy access to the prince".
A commemorative coin minted in 1661 shows the Sun King rising from his throne to greet kneeling petitioners, flanked by children, under the motto facilis ad principem aditus — "easy access to the prince". This image of accessibility was carefully curated.