In these our cowardly times, we deny the grandeur of the Universal, and assert and glorify our local Bigotries, and so we cannot agree on much. In these our degenerate times, men bent on nothing but vainglory and personal gain- hollow, bombastic men for whom nothing is off-limits if it advances their petty cause- will claim to be great leaders and benefactors, acting in the common good, and calling all who oppose them liars, envious, little people, stupid people, stiff, and, in a precise reversal of the truth, dishonest and corrupt.
In our current era, society often overlooks the broader, universal ideals in favor of narrow interests and biases, leading to a lack of common ground among people. As cultural and ideological divisions grow, discussions become increasingly polarized, which hinders collective understanding and consensus. This trend suggests that we may be missing out on the richer, more profound aspects of humanity and existence that connect us all.
The quote from Salman Rushdie's "The Golden House" criticizes self-serving individuals who manipulate public perception to bolster their own agendas. These individuals present themselves as leaders and champions of the public good, while they disparage dissenters as insignificant or corrupt. This behavior reflects a troubling reality where personal ambition overrides genuine leadership, resulting in a culture that values superficial successes over meaningful contributions to society.