Mostly I am sorry for the way I thought of other people. Like a good general, I had treated everyone who wasn't with me as against me.
Lee AtwaterRead
I acquired more wealth, power, and prestige than most. But you can acquire all you want and still feel empty. What power wouldn't I trade for a little more time with my family? What price wouldn't I pay for an evening with friends? It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Material wealth and power can lead to a sense of emptiness, while time with loved ones is invaluable.
Lee Atwater reflects on the emptiness that can accompany the pursuit of wealth and status, emphasizing the importance of family and friendships over material gain. His experience with a life-threatening illness brought him to a profound realization that true fulfillment comes from meaningful relationships rather than possessions, highlighting a broader societal need to recognize this truth amid relentless ambition.
Themes
WealthFamilyFriendsEmptinessTruth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a motivational speech about prioritizing relationships over ambition.
More from Lee Atwater
All quotes →It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime.
Lee AtwaterRead
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