There are days when I get caught up in being the most notorious convict of all time. In that frame of mind I get off on all the publicity, and I'm pleased when some fool writes and offers to 'off some pigs' for me. I've had girls come to visit me with their babies in their arms and say, 'Charlie, I'd do anything in the world for you. I'm raising my baby in your image.' Those letters and visits used to delight me, but that's just my individual sickness. What sickness is it that keeps sending me kids and followers? It's your world out there that does it. I don't solicit my mail or ask anyone to come and visit me. Yet the mail continues to arrive and your pretty little flowers of innocence keep showing up at the gate.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker reflects on his influence over followers and blames society for creating conditions that foster his cult.
- In plain terms
- I gain followers because your world makes people desperate for leaders.
- What can you take from it?
- Followers often reflect societal brokenness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do people follow dangerous leaders?
- What drives cults?
Another view
Blaming society ignores personal responsibility for actions.
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