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It is astonishing to think that millions of people in my…

“It is astonishing to think that millions of people in my time—now, too, I suppose—actually thought that at a given moment in history two human beings had evolved to a higher state than that of all the gods that ever were or ever will be. This is titanism, as the Greeks would say. This is madness.” quote by Gore Vidal
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“It is astonishing to think that millions of people in my time—now, too, I suppose—actually thought that at a given moment in history two human beings had evolved to a higher state than that of all the gods that ever were or ever will be. This is titanism, as the Greeks would say. This is madness.”

Gore Vidal

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote critiques the hubris of believing humanity has surpassed divine beings, labeling it as extreme pride and madness.

In simple terms: Humanity’s pride in being godlike is foolish.

Key Takeaway

Beware of overestimating human progress.

Themes

hubris humanism philosophy mythology

Mood

cautious critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • Academic debate
  • political commentary
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

Existentialism anthropocentrism Greek mythology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do we truly surpass the gods?
  • What are the risks of human exceptionalism?
A Different Perspective

Such belief can ignore humility and lead to dangerous overconfidence.

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