Nothing is so foolish, they say, as for a man to stand for office and woo the crowd to win its vote, buy its support with presents, court the applause of all those fools and feel self-satisfied when they cry their approval, and then in his hour of triumph to be carried round like an effigy for the public to stare at, and end up cast in bronze to stand in the market place.

Summary

This quote criticizes the act of seeking public approval solely for personal gain and recognition. It suggests that someone who panders to the crowd, using gifts and flattery to win votes and applause, is ultimately shallow and foolish. The quote highlights the emptiness of becoming a figurehead, celebrated momentarily but reduced to an inanimate representation, devoid of substance. It cautions against seeking superficial victories at the expense of one's integrity and long-term impact.

Topics