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He was a hard shrewd jovial politician, whose acts of…

“He was a hard shrewd jovial politician, whose acts of kindness served his interest and whose interest was himself. His type is panhuman. I had met him on Earth, and on Hain, and on Ollul. I expect to meet him in Hell.” quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
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““He was a hard shrewd jovial politician, whose acts of kindness served his interest and whose interest was himself. His type is panhuman. I had met him on Earth, and on Hain, and on Ollul. I expect to meet him in Hell.””

Ursula K. Le Guin

About This Quote

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

The passage describes a cunning, self‑interested politician whose kindness serves personal gain, likened to a panhuman figure encountered across worlds, even Hell.

In simple terms: A politician pretends kindness but acts for himself.

Key Takeaway

Beware self‑serving altruism.

Themes

politics ethics character study

Mood

cautious thoughtful

Type

critical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political analysis
  • fictional world‑building
  • leadership ethics

Key Concepts

self‑interest panhumanism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motivates genuine kindness?
  • How can we detect hidden agendas?
A Different Perspective

The description may idealize or vilify without nuance.

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