Bigs Quote by Philipp Meyer
“She wondered how people would remember her. She had not made enough to spread her wealth around like Carnegie, to erase any sins that had attached to her name, she had failed, she had not reached the golden bough. The liberals would cheer her death. They would light marijuana cigarettes and drive to their sushi restaurants and eat fresh food that had traveled eight thousand miles. They would spend all of supper complaining about people like her, and when they got home their houses would be cold and they'd press a button on a wall to get warm. The whole time complaining about big oil.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Son, Philipp Meyer, 2013
A narrator reflects on legacy, wealth, and societal judgment, contrasting personal failure with public hypocrisy and consumer excess.
In simple terms: She worries about how she'll be remembered amid societal flaws.
Key Takeaway
Consider how actions shape legacy beyond material success.
Themes
legacy
societal judgment
consumerism
hypocrisy
environmental concerns
Mood
cynical
reflective
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- public discourse
- environmental activism
- cultural commentary
Key Concepts
existential reflection
social critique
materialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a meaningful legacy?
- How do societal values influence personal worth?
A Different Perspective
The critique may overlook personal agency and structural constraints.
![“If [America] forgets where she came from, if the people lose sight of what brought them along, if she listens to the deniers and mockers, then will begin the rot and dissolution.” quote by Carl Sandburg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cb/carl-sandburg-952_america_if-america-forgets-where-she-came-from-i_1772651.jpg)
![“The only regret I have in my career, is my managers wanted a big payday, and I wanted four or five more fights before going in with [Larry] Holmes. That would have made all the difference.” quote by Gerry Cooney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d63/gerry-cooney-20863_bigs_the-only-regret-i-have-in-my-career-is-m_1534.jpg)
