Banquets Quote by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch
“People who want to live like Olympian gods must have slaves whom they throw into their fishponds and gladiators who fight during their masters sumptuous banquets-and the pleasure-seekers never care if some blood splatters on them.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Venus in Furs, 1870
He critiques the decadence of the powerful, who indulge in cruelty and spectacle while ignoring suffering.
In simple terms: Powerful indulge in cruelty, ignoring suffering.
Key Takeaway
Question the morality of excess.
Themes
power
cruelty
excess
Mood
critical
serious
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- entertainment industry
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
philosophy of ethics
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do the powerful have?
- How to confront systemic cruelty?
A Different Perspective
Such critique can be dismissed as hyperbole.
