It was a Greek tragedy. Nixon was fulfilling his own nature. Once it started it could not end otherwise.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Kissinger compares Nixon's political downfall to a tragedy where his own character dictated the inevitable outcome.
- In plain terms
- Nixon's downfall was inevitable because of his own character flaws.
- What can you take from it?
- Your character will eventually drive your fate.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does character always determine destiny?
- How much of your fate is self-made?
Another view
This reduces complex political failures to individual personality traits alone.
More from Henry Kissinger
It is an act of insanity and national humiliation to have a law prohibiting the President from ordering assassination.
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