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
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.
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
All quotes →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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