Today's public figures can no longer write their own speeches or books, and there is some evidence that they can't read them either.
Interpretation
The quote humorously critiques modern public figures for their inability to engage with the written word.
Gore Vidal's quote highlights a concerning trend among contemporary public figures who seem detached from the very material they present to the public. He suggests that not only do they rely on others to write their speeches and books, but they may also lack the ability to read and understand these texts, indicating a broader issue of authenticity and engagement in leadership today.
In practice
Using this quote in a discussion about the need for authenticity in politics.
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.
Never engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed man.
I think anyone who's perfectly happy isn't particularly funny.
A fellow who has a funny bone can learn to hone his skills, but I don't think you can develop a funny bone - you either have it or you don't. And by the way - when you get it, we don't know it.
I've got the brain of a four year old. I'll bet he was glad to be rid of it.
You all watched a sketch about feminism and you didn't even know it because of all the jokes. It's like when Jessica Seinfeld puts spinach in kids' brownies. Suckers!
I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell.
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