After all, if we think of the Vatican as a vast and hugely successful multinational corporation, then this interview would appear to be the equivalent of a profits warning. At the very least, it would seem to be tinkering with the formula of the biggest spiritual brand in the world, analogous to Coca-Cola changing its famous recipe in 1985.

What a while continueth the mould and crowne of our heads to beate and pant, before our braine is well ſetled[…]

Nevertheless, pointing a finger at young men and punishing them with breach-of-promise lawsuits did little to address the problem of fallen women.

The Micawber Principle has value as financial advice, but as a historical argument it is deeply mistaken. Contra Micawber, income has not always placed an absolute, binding limit on consumption.