World events are the work of individuals whose motives are often frivolous, even casual.
Interpretation
World events can be influenced by individual actions that may seem trivial or unimportant.
This quote by Gore Vidal highlights the notion that significant world events often stem from the actions of individuals whose motivations may not be as profound or serious as one might expect. It suggests a skepticism about the grand narratives we create around history, reminding us that sometimes the trajectory of major changes can be the result of seemingly trivial decisions made by individuals acting on whim or personal gain.
In practice
During a discussion on how small actions can lead to major political changes.
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.
Tolerance and understanding won't 'trickle down' in our society any more than wealth does.
I belong to no race nor time. I am the eternal feminine with its string of beads.
As many arrows, loosed several ways, come to one mark...so many a thousand actions, once afoot, end in one purpose.
Whatever is received is received according to the nature of the recipient.
Yet the stupid believe they are awake, busily and brightly assuming they understand things, calling this man ruler, that one herdsman β how dense! Confucius and you are both dreaming! And when I say you are dreaming, I am dreaming, too. Words like these will be labeled the Supreme Swindle.
When I was researching my book 'The 33 Strategies of War', I studied Napoleon extensively and I found myself wanting to ask Napoleon questions about things he did, and if was I interpreting his actions correctly.
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