Decided Quote by Gore Vidal
“I have been asked whether I wish to nominate a successor, an inheritor, a dauphin or delfino. I have decided to name Christopher Hitchens.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Myra Breckenridge, Gore Vidal, 1968
Vidal humorously suggests naming the successor after the outspoken writer Christopher Hitchens, implying a desire for a candid, provocative heir.
In simple terms: He wants a successor as outspoken as Hitchens.
Key Takeaway
Choose a successor who speaks truth boldly.
Themes
succession
literary humor
political commentary
Mood
witty
critical
Type
satirical
commentary
When to use this quote
- political appointments
- media interviews
- public debates
Key Concepts
satire
legacy
public discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humor affect serious decisions?
- What qualities truly matter in a successor?
A Different Perspective
The comparison may be seen as flippant or disrespectful.
![“It was a very funny conference. I knew [Christopher Hitchens] before that. He had always been a good angel to me. He once stole a phrase from me that came out of his mouth on television. I saw his eyes move sideways. I thought, It's alright, you can have it! The conference was light on women…” quote by Hilary Mantel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8d6/hilary-mantel-440_alright_it-was-a-very-funny-conference-i-knew-ch_980010.jpg)
![“One evening, at the time of the Six-Day War, I [Christopher Hitchens] had my wicked way with a lovely lady, who had earlier intimated that she did not perhaps find me entirely repulsive. We procured a decent room, as I remember, at the Cadogan Hotel. Perhaps a little flown with wine, I asked her…” quote by Craig Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cfd/craig-brown-10015_christopher-hitchens_one-evening-at-the-time-of-the-six-day-w_469479.jpg)
