Bucks Quote by Gore Vidal
“The hatred Americans have for their own government is pathological, if understandable. At one level it is simply thwarted greed: since our religion is making a buck, giving a part of that buck to any government is an act against nature.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The American Condition, 1970
The author argues that Americans' hatred for their government is both a rational response to greed and a pathological condition.
In simple terms: Government hate is partly justified, partly unhealthy.
Recognize and address systemic greed.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public policy analysis
- activism
- civic education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we differentiate healthy skepticism from pathology?
- What reforms could lessen governmental greed?
Not all distrust is pathological; reforms can reduce resentment.