That public men publish falsehoods Is nothing new. That…
““That public men publish falsehoods Is nothing new. That America must accept Like the historical republics corruption and empire Has been known for years. Be angry at the sun for setting If these things anger you. Watch the wheel slope and tum. They are all bound on the wheel, these people, those warriors, This republic, Europe, Asia. Observe them gesticulating, Observe them going down. The gang serves lies, the passionate Man plays his part; the cold passion for truth Hunts in no pack. You are not CatulIus, you know, To lampoon these crude sketches of Caesar. You are far From Dante’s feet, but even farther from his dirty Political hatredS. Let boys want pleasure, and men Struggle for power, and women perhaps for fame, And the servile to serve a Leader and the dupes to be duped. Yours is not theirs.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poem critiques recurring cycles of corruption and power, urging awareness of societal decay and the futility of blaming distant figures.
In simple terms: Power and corruption repeat; recognize patterns.
Key Takeaway
Observe and question authority.
Themes
politics
corruption
history
human nature
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government scandals
- historical analysis
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
cyclical decay
illusion
authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you notice cycles of power in your life?
- What can break the wheel of corruption?
A Different Perspective
Blind acceptance sustains decay.