American writers want to be not good but great; and so are neither.
Gore VidalRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of expressing our true selves and the emotions that connect us, regardless of social status.
Gore Vidal's quote suggests that we need to embrace and reveal our innermost selves to the world, as it is this shared emotional experience that unites people from all walks of life. By focusing on the emotions of love rather than its superficial forms, we can foster deeper connections that transcend societal boundaries and enhance our understanding of one another.
Themes
LoveEmotionConnectionIdentityExpression
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal identity and acceptance, one might quote this to emphasize the value of being open about one's feelings.
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Envy is the central fact of American life.
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