Politics in the United States consists of the struggle between those whose change has been arrested by success or failure, on one side, and those who are still engaged in changing themselves, on the other. Agitators of arrested metamorphosis versus agitators of continued metamorphosis. The former have the advantage of numbers (since most people accept themselves as successes or failures quite early), the latter of vitality and visibility (since self-transformation, though it begins from within, with ideology, religion, drugs, tends to express itself publicly through costume and jargon).

Summary

This quote explores the nature of politics in the United States as a battle between two groups: those who resist change and become stuck in their defined successes or failures, and those who continuously seek personal growth and transformation. The first group, comprising a majority due to individuals quickly accepting their own circumstances, holds the advantage of numbers. In contrast, the second group, advocating for ongoing self-improvement, demonstrates vitality and visibility, expressing their evolution outwardly through outward appearance and specific language. Ultimately, this quote highlights the conflict between those content with their established identities and those embracing constant change.

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