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Politicians, ugly buildings, and whores all get…

“Politicians, ugly buildings, and whores all get respectable if they last long enough.” quote by Robert Towne
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“Politicians, ugly buildings, and whores all get respectable if they last long enough.”

Robert Towne

About This Quote

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

Longevity can legitimize even the most unsavory entities, granting them respectability.

In simple terms: Time can make bad things seem respectable.

Key Takeaway

Question the credibility of long‑standing institutions.

Themes

politics reputation time

Mood

skeptical inquisitive

Type

critical observational

When to use this quote

  • political careers
  • corporate brands
  • historical monuments
  • media narratives

Key Concepts

social perception ethical relativism institutional trust

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes something respectable?
  • Can longevity replace integrity?
A Different Perspective

Respectability may be superficial, not merit‑based.

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