Try any goddam thing you like, no matter how boringly normal or outrageous. If it works, fine. If it doesn't, toss it. Toss it even if you love it.
In the year 2025, the best men don't run for president, they run for their lives. . . .
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that honorable individuals avoid political leadership due to the corruption and danger involved.
Stephen King's quote implies that the most capable and admirable people are reluctant to seek positions of power, particularly in politics, as they understand the inherent risks and ethical compromises that such roles entail. Rather than running for office, they prioritize their safety and integrity over ambition, reflecting a disillusionment with the political system and a desire to protect themselves from its potential harms.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about political candidates, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of integrity over ambition.
More from Stephen King
All quotes →Eddie discovered one of his childhood's great truths. Grownups are the real monsters, he thought.
Hairstyles change, and skirt lengths, and slang, but high school administrations? Never.
Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.
That's the day's business. Thinking. Thinking and isolation, because it doesn't matter if you pass the time of day with someone or not; in the end, you're alone. He seemed to have put in as many miles in his brain as he had with his feet. The thoughts kept coming and there was no way to deny them.
Late last night and the night before, tommyknockers, tommyknockers knocking on my door. I wanna go out, don't know if I can 'cuz I'm so afraid of the tommyknocker man.
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