Angel Quote by John le Carre
“And the ideologies trailed after these impossible events like condemned prisoners, as ideologies do when they've had their day. Because they have no heart of their own. They're the whores and angels of our striving selves.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, 1963
Ideologies become empty vessels, acting as tools for people’s ambitions once they lose authenticity.
In simple terms: Ideas lose power without genuine belief.
Question the authenticity of belief systems.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- social movements
- personal convictions
- media narratives
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes an ideology authentic?
- Can empty ideas be repurposed?
Ideologies can still inspire positive change despite flaws.