In my opinion, most of the great men of the past were only there for the beer - the wealth, prestige and grandeur that went with the power.

Summary

This quote suggests that many historical figures revered for their greatness were primarily motivated by materialistic and superficial desires rather than noble intentions. It implies that the pursuit of power and its accompanying benefits, such as wealth, prestige, and grandeur, was a driving force for these individuals. The quote challenges the commonly held belief that historical figures were solely driven by altruistic purposes or a genuine desire to make a positive impact on society. It highlights the notion that self-interest and personal gain often play a significant role in the actions and accomplishments of influential individuals throughout history.