Skip to content

One night (I was eleven years old at the time) he came and…

“One night (I was eleven years old at the time) he came and shook me from my sleep and announced, with the same grumbling laconism that he would have employed to predict a good harvest to his tenants, that I should rule the world.” quote by Marguerite Yourcenar
Download Open image
““One night (I was eleven years old at the time) he came and shook me from my sleep and announced, with the same grumbling laconism that he would have employed to predict a good harvest to his tenants, that I should rule the world.””

Marguerite Yourcenar

About This Quote

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

A child receives a prophetic, ominous command to rule the world, reflecting early encounters with destiny and authority.

In simple terms: A child is told to rule the world.

Key Takeaway

Consider how early authority shapes ambition.

Themes

power destiny childhood authority

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • leadership
  • self‑reflection
  • storytelling

Key Concepts

psychology mythology literary

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do early messages influence life choices?
  • What responsibilities come with power?
A Different Perspective

The fantastical element may be metaphorical rather than literal.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Marguerite Yourcenar

Explore all 112 Marguerite Yourcenar quotes

More Rule the world quotes

Browse all 246 Rule the world quotes