Accomplish Quote by Gore Vidal
“Walter Lippmann suggests that the United States behaves like a society which thinks it is complete with no more to accomplish; that, for better or worse, we are what we are, and the only danger to our comfort is external.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Power of the Power, Gore Vidal, 1970
The US sees itself as self‑sufficient and complacent, ignoring external threats that could disrupt its comfort.
In simple terms: America thinks it’s finished and safe.
Question complacency, seek external perspectives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- foreign relations
- public discourse
- education
- media consumption
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self‑sufficiency affect policy?
- What external dangers are ignored?
Overconfidence can blind a nation to real risks.