I began life as an absolute monarchist - on condition, of course, that I be that monarch.
Interpretation
The quote reflects a self-centered view of power and authority, suggesting a desire for control.
Gore Vidal's quote humorously reveals the irony in the desire for absolute power, highlighting how such ambitions are often contingent on personal gain. Instead of advocating for the general welfare, the statement underscores a selfish inclination towards leadership, implying that the aspiration for greatness is often tied to individual interests rather than altruistic motives.
In practice
During a debate on political theory, one might use this quote to illustrate the potential for corruption in leadership.
We must declare ourselves, become known; allow the world to discover this subterranean life of ours which connects kings and farm boys, artists and clerks. Let them see that the important thing is not the object of love, but the emotion itself.
American writers want to be not good but great; and so are neither.
Writing fiction has become a priestly business in countries that have lost their faith.
The important thing is not the object of love, but the emotion itself.
For the average American, freedom of speech is simply the freedom to repeat what everyone else is saying and no more.
Ayn Rand's 'philosophy' is nearly perfect in its immorality, which makes the size of her audience all the more ominous and symptomatic as we enter a curious new phase in our society.... To justify and extol human greed and egotism is to my mind not only immoral, but evil.
Look at your life in contrast with the magnitude of creation, space and time. Your life becomes insignificant. Ego disappears.
There couldn't be a society of people who didn't dream. They'd be dead in two weeks.
If you live today, you breath in nihilism ... it's the gas you breathe. If I hadn't had the Church to fight it with or to tell me the necessity of fighting it, I would be the stinkingest logical positivist you ever saw right now.
Life is painful and disappointing. It is useless, therefore, to write new realistic novels. We generally know where we stand in relation to reality and donβt care to know any more.
It is for us and our time...to say the right makes might.
In dark ages people are best guided by religion, as in a pitch-black night a blind man is the best guide; he knows the roads and paths better than a man who can see. When daylight comes, however, it is foolish to use blind, old men as guides.
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