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
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.
In practice
During a speech on political engagement, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of personal responsibility in societal change.
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.
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.
Actions defined a man; words were a fart in the wind
A lawyer with his briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns.
I'll make him an offer he can't refuse.
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.
Now, a corpse, poor thing, is an untouchable and the process of decay is, of all pieces of bad manners, the vulgarest imaginable. For a corpse is, by definition, a person absolutely devoid of savoir vivre.
But where are you going to, Helen? Can you see? Do you know?-I believe; I have faith: I am going to God.-Where is God? What is God?-My maker and yours, who will never destroy what He created. I rely implicitly on His power, and confide wholly in His goodness: I count the hours till that eventful one arrives which shall restore me to Him, reveal Him to me.
And lips say βGod be pitiful,β Who ne'er said βGod be praised.β
There is something feeble and a little contemptible about a man who cannot face the perils of life without the help of comfortable myths.
Did you, too, O friend, suppose democracy was only for elections, for politics, and for a party name? I say democracy is only of use there that it may pass on and come to its flower and fruit in manners, in the highest forms of interaction between people, and their beliefs - in religion, literature, colleges and schools- democracy in all public and private life.
Immigration, a lexicon. You're a 'migrant' when you're very poor; 'immigrant' when you're not so poor; and 'expat' when you're rich.
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