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I don't trust society to protect us, I have no intention of placing my fate in the hands of men whose only qualification is that they managed to con a block of people to vote for them.
Mario Puzo
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote expresses skepticism towards societal systems and the motives of those in power.

Mario Puzo's quote highlights a deep distrust of societal institutions and the people who lead them. He suggests that the only criteria for politicians often involves their ability to manipulate public opinion rather than a genuine commitment to public service, encouraging individuals to take control of their own destinies instead of relying on potentially untrustworthy leaders.

Themes

TrustSocietyPoliticsLeadershipSkepticism

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech on political engagement, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of personal responsibility in societal change.

More from Mario Puzo

Yet, he thought, if I can die saying, "Life is so beautiful," then nothing else is important. If i can believe in myself that much, nothing else matters.
Mario PuzoRead
He had long ago learned that society imposes insults that must be borne, comforted by the knowledge that in this world there comes a time when the most humble of men, if he keeps his eyes open, can take his revenge on the most powerful.
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Actions defined a man; words were a fart in the wind
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A lawyer with his briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns.
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I'll make him an offer he can't refuse.
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He was a degenerate gambler. That is, a man who gambled simply to gamble and must lose. As a hero who goes to war must die. Show me a gambler and I'll show you a loser, show me a hero and I'll show you a corpse.
Mario PuzoRead

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