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.