"One of the privileges of the great is to witness catastrophes from a terrace"
- Jean Giraudoux
About this Quote
This quote by Jean Giraudoux speaks to the concept of privilege and power. It suggests that those who remain in positions of power and opportunity have the ability to observe and witness catastrophes from a safe distance. This suggests that those in power are not affected by the catastrophes in the same way as those who are not in positions of power. It likewise suggests that those in power are able to observe the results of the catastrophes on those who are not in positions of power, without needing to experience the exact same effects themselves. This quote speaks with the idea of privilege and power, and how those in power have the ability to observe and witness catastrophes from a safe range, while those who are not in positions of power are left to suffer the repercussions. It is a tip of the importance of recognizing and comprehending the power characteristics that exist in our society, and how those in power are able to stay untouched by the disasters that occur on the planet.
"To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization"
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"