They say that the world rests on the backs of 36 living saints - 36 unselfish men and women. Because of them the world continues to exist. They are the secret kings and queens of this world... I've met a lot of kings, and emperors and heads of state in my time, Joshua. I've met them all. And you know something? I think I liked you best.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote suggests that unseen selfless individuals sustain the world, and Norton valued their quiet contribution over formal power.
- In plain terms
- Unselfish people keep the world going, and Norton preferred their company to kings.
- What can you take from it?
- True value lies in unseen selflessness, not titles.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who truly holds the world together?
- Does power equate to worth?
Another view
The idea of 36 saints is a mystical belief without empirical basis.
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