There is something about the state putting the power to bully into the hands of subnormal, sadistic apes that makes my blood boil.
Interpretation
This quote critiques the misuse of power by those who are unfit for it.
Gore Vidal's quote expresses frustration and anger at how power can fall into the hands of individuals who lack the moral integrity or capability to wield it responsibly. It highlights the dangers of a system that allows unqualified or cruel people to control and bully others, stirring a visceral reaction against such abuse of authority.
In practice
In a speech about political accountability, this quote can illustrate the dangers of unchecked power.
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.
What difference does it make, after all, what your position in life is if you dislike it yourself?
Human life is reduced to real suffering, to hell, only when two ages, two cultures and religions overlap.
For an adult, the world is constantly trying to clamp down on itself. Routine, responsibility, decay of institutions, corruption: this is all the world closing in.
It watches," he added suddenly. "The house. It watches every move you make.
Londoners say, 'We're so proud of our diversity and tolerance,' but what if that diversity ends up making us intolerant?
Providence so orders the case, that faith and prayer come between our wants and supplies, and the goodness of God may be the more magnified in our eyes thereby.
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