World, Writing, Wealth discussion

What is your favorite quote and why?

I'll start! Mine is “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”― Roald Dahl

I love this quote because it reminds me to seek out the hidden moments of awe and wonder that are sprinkled throughout our daily lives.

"To be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich. To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to stars, birds, babes, and sages with open heart, to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely..." —W. H. Channing

There are too many memorable quotes to consider, but this one that I discovered recently reminds me of values that are easily forgotten in a consumerist culture.

"The higher I go, the crookeder it becomes." Michael Corleone reminds us the gritty face of our world. To fulfil Puzo's prediction a cardinal was sentenced for embezzlement: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/va...

Nik wrote: ""The higher I go, the crookeder it becomes." Michael Corleone reminds us the gritty face of our world. To fulfil Puzo's prediction a cardinal was sentenced for embezzlement: https://www.pbs.org/new..."

Ooo I love that quote! Life doesn't go in a straight line, that's for sure!

"Have I played the part well? Then applaud as I exit."
- Final words of Augustus, First Emperor of Rome, spoken to gathered friends and family

The Creator was immensely wise and charitable when He forbade us knowledge of the future, while He has vouchsafed us the delights of memory and the enchantments of hope.

Maurice Druon KBE (1918 - 2009) - Novelist and member of the French Academy

Beautifully written and oh-so true.

J. wrote: ""Have I played the part well? Then applaud as I exit."
- Final words of Augustus, First Emperor of Rome, spoken to gathered friends and family"

And why is this your favorite quote?

Kat wrote: "And why is this your favorite quote?"

It is a perfect summary of his life. He was an absolute Machiavellian tyrant whose rule was maintained through constant image control. He was the first emperor, but he insisted on being called First Citizen. He was a frail man who was constantly ill, but he was always depicted as vigorous. He crushed the Senate, but claimed to be the savior of the Republic.

Most telling is his official last words as emperor.
"I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble"
It's true that he finished and expanded Caesar's forum in marble. And he carried out many other building projects"for the glory of Rome". But those projects were brick and concrete sheathed in marble. And most of Rome was still wood and stucco tenements until after the Great Fire during which Nero reportedly fiddled. He was bragging about facades erected for the sake of the Patricians.

He was one of the most powerful men in history because of his ability to shape the narrative, to play the part. Sound familiar?

J. wrote: "Kat wrote: "And why is this your favorite quote?"

It is a perfect summary of his life. He was an absolute Machiavellian tyrant whose rule was maintained through constant image control. He was the ..."


It's fascinating to delve into the complexities of historical figures, and your portrayal of this individual as a Machiavellian tyrant adept at image control is quite intriguing. The paradoxical nature of being a frail man yet projecting an image of vigor, crushing the Senate while claiming to be the savior of the Republic, highlights the intricacies of his rule.

The emphasis on the construction projects, particularly the quote "I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble," adds another layer to his legacy. The irony in boasting about marble structures that largely concealed less glamorous materials underscores the manipulation of appearances for the benefit of the ruling class.

Drawing parallels to contemporary figures who similarly excel in shaping narratives and projecting a carefully curated image adds a thought-provoking dimension to the reflection on power and its wielders throughout history. It prompts us to consider how the manipulation of perception can be a potent tool in the hands of those who seek to influence and control.

History often serves as a mirror reflecting patterns that echo through time, and your observations invite us to contemplate the enduring nature of certain political strategies and their resonance in different eras. It indeed sounds familiar, reminding us to approach the narratives presented by those in power with a critical eye and an awareness of the potential dissonance between appearance and reality.

J. wrote: ""Have I played the part well? Then applaud as I exit."
- Final words of Augustus, First Emperor of Rome, spoken to gathered friends and family"
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