In Beaumarchais' perspective, politics is portrayed as a deceptive game filled with pretense and subterfuge. Individuals often pretend to have knowledge they lack, and conversely, choose to ignore what they actually understand. This disingenuous behavior extends to making promises that won't be fulfilled and concealing truths, with the intention of creating an illusionary front. The metaphor of sharpening pencils while being "busy" illustrates the triviality of the actual work compared to the facades maintained.

Furthermore, the passage suggests that the art of political maneuvering involves creating profound speeches that obscure one's true emptiness. It implies a culture that nurtures deceit, rewards betrayal, and engages in clandestine activities, all while promoting a false narrative about one's capabilities. Through these actions, the ineffectiveness of political goals is masked by flowery language, revealing a deep skepticism about the authenticity of political practice.