Equal Quote by Gore Vidal
“Nothing that Shakespeare ever invented was to equal Lincoln's invention of himself and, in the process, us.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Portable Gore Vidal, 1995
Shakespeare’s creative genius is eclipsed by Lincoln’s self-fashioned identity, which also reshapes society.
In simple terms: Lincoln’s self-invention surpasses Shakespeare’s inventions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power of personal reinvention.
Themes
history
leadership
identity
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- personal branding
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
self-creation
cultural impact
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of your identity are self-made?
- Can society change individual self-construction?
A Different Perspective
Self-invention can be limited by external circumstances.
![“I won't say he [Shakespeare] 'invented' us, because journalists perpetually misunderstand me on that. I'll put it more simply: he contains us. Our ways of thinking and feeling-about ourselves, those we love, those we hate, those we realize are hopelessly 'other' to us-are more shaped by…” quote by Harold Bloom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c30/harold-bloom-3350_feelings_i-won-t-say-he-shakespeare-invented-us-b_2229453.jpg)
