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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author claims the Constitution has a flaw because only unstable people want to become president.
In plain terms
Only crazy people want to be president so the system is flawed.
What can you take from it?
Political ambition may indicate personal instability.

Where it applies

  • elections
  • political ambition
  • governance

Putting it to work

  • evaluate candidates critically
  • question political ambition

Questions to consider

  • What motivates political candidates?
  • How do you assess leaders?

Another view

Many stable people run for office to serve the public.

More from Kurt Vonnegut

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  3. Human beings are chimpanzees who get crazy drunk on power. By saying that our leaders are power-drunk chimpanzees, am I in danger of wrecking the morale of our…

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