The November edition of New English Review showcases Theodore Dalrymple’s essay on his misadventure attempting to pitch a historical documentary on deposed dictators for British television.

You might have thought from her manner that everything shown on television was an imperishable masterpiece instead of being overwhelmingly rubbish. “I’m worried,” indeed. The only thing that bitch has ever worried about is her career.

….

There is nothing wrong in itself with being a nonentity; we are all nonentities in some regard or other, perhaps in many regards; but ambition is what makes nonentities dangerous.