One thing about a pig, he thinks he's warm if his nose is warm. I saw a bunch of pigs one time that had frozen together in a rosette, each one's nose tucked under the rump of the one in front. We have a lot of pigs in politics.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker uses a metaphor about pigs to describe how politicians seek warmth or safety in huddles.
- In plain terms
- He compares politicians to pigs huddled together for warmth in the cold.
- What can you take from it?
- Politicians often stick together for comfort or protection.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do people cluster in groups?
- Is comfort more important than truth?
Another view
The metaphor is derogatory and oversimplifies complex motives.
More from Eugene McCarthy
No man could be equipped for the presidency if he has never been tempted by one of the seven cardinal sins.
Permalink to quote #19 The Senate is the last primitive society in the world. We still worship the elders of the tribe and honor the territorial imperative.
Permalink to quote #21 Nixon is the kind of guy who, if you were drowning twenty feet from shore, would throw you a fifteen-foot rope.
Permalink to quote #18
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