"Clinton's hands remain incredibly clean, don't they, and Tony Blair's smile remains as wide as ever. I view these guises with profound contempt"
- Harold Pinter
About this Quote
This quote by Harold Pinter is a criticism of the general public personalities of previous United States President Bill Clinton and previous UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Pinter is recommending that despite the different scandals and controversies that have surrounded both men, they have handled to maintain a favorable public image. Clinton's hands are a metaphor for his innocence and absence of regret, while Blair's smile is a metaphor for his public persona of being a friendly and trustworthy leader. Pinter is expressing his contempt for the method which these 2 guys have handled to keep a positive public image in spite of their doubtful actions. He is suggesting that their public personas are a facade and that they are not as innocent as they appear. Pinter's quote is a criticism of the way in which politicians can control public opinion and maintain a positive image despite their questionable actions.
"Beauty comes from a life well lived. If you've lived well, your smile lines are in the right places, and your frown lines aren't too bad, what more do you need?"
"It scares you: all the noise, the rattling, the shaking. But the look on everybody's face when you're finished and packing, it's the best smile in the world; and there's nobody hurt, and the well's under control"
"Not by appointment do we meet delight Or joy; they heed not our expectancy; But round some corner of the streets of life they of a sudden greet us with a smile"
"I figured out, I guess, that the job just makes me happy if it's not number one. So if it all works, great. If it doesn't, I still go home, look at my kids, and I have a big smile on my face"