---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: This is called \"spiritual lifting.\" It's…"
description: "\"This is called \"spiritual lifting.\" It's not heavy lifting. The governor of Texas should not be confused with Arnold Schwarzenegger. That's a powerful ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10e/kinky-friedman-2471_arnold-schwarzenegge_this-is-called-spiritual-lifting-it-s-no_2485589.png"
---

#  This is called "spiritual lifting." It's not heavy…

![“This is called &quot;spiritual lifting.&quot; It's not heavy lifting. The governor of Texas should not be confused with Arnold Schwarzenegger. That's a powerful position. The governor of Texas can't do any heavy lifting really. It's not that powerful a position.” quote by Kinky Friedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10e/kinky-friedman-2471_arnold-schwarzenegge_this-is-called-spiritual-lifting-it-s-no_2485589.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10e/kinky-friedman-2471_arnold-schwarzenegge_this-is-called-spiritual-lifting-it-s-no_2485589.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10e/kinky-friedman-2471_arnold-schwarzenegge_this-is-called-spiritual-lifting-it-s-no_2485589.png)

> “This is called "spiritual lifting." It's not heavy lifting. The governor of Texas should not be confused with Arnold Schwarzenegger. That's a powerful position. The governor of Texas can't do any heavy lifting really. It's not that powerful a position.”

[Kinky Friedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kinky-friedman/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker mocks the title "governor" as a non-physical role, contrasting it with literal heavy lifting and implying limited power.

**In simple terms:** Governors have symbolic power, not physical strength.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the difference between symbolic authority and actual capability.

Themes

politics humor authority metaphor

Mood

skeptical ironic critical

Type

satire political commentary

When to use this quote

- campaign speeches
- media analysis
- public expectations
- leadership critique

Key Concepts

symbolic power public perception role metaphor

Questions to Reflect On

- How does symbolic authority affect public expectations?
- When does rhetoric mislead about real power?

A Different Perspective

The metaphor may oversimplify the complex influence a governor can wield.

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## More by Kinky Friedman

> [I believe that voices like Ross Perot, Pat Buchanan, Ralph Nader should be heard. They don't have to be president. Give 'em a chance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kinky-friedman/i-believe-that-voices-like-ross-perot-pat-buchanan-ralph-nader-should/)

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