Haha. Yes you are right - the phrase with shabby is a modern reinterpretation of the original Donald Horne phrase.
You are quite correct in the origin and original intent, but I was referencing the new rephrasing of the original quote which I feel is more accurate in describing the decline in Australian society more generally than in the 1960s when the elites were the main problem. The famous quote from Jonathan Swift goes, “everything old is new again,” but the cycle never completes, as would Ouroboros, the emblematic serpent of ancient Egypt and Greece represented with its tail in its mouth, continually devouring itself and being reborn from itself.
But I digress. Australia is a wonderful country despite generally lacking in culture innovation or intellectual vigour as a result of decades of poor leadership and societal evolution. I love it mostly - and sometimes not.
But boy did I start some conversations - lol.
I end with a couple of Australian classics.
What is the difference between an Australian wedding and an Australian funeral? One less drunk at the funeral.
What is the difference between yoghurt and Australia? Yoghurt has some culture.
