the Russian governors are terrified of ideas. If only they knew what our governors know-that in a massive egalitarian society no idea which runs counter to the prevailing superstitions can successfully penetrate the official carapace.
The quote highlights the fear that Russian governors have towards new ideas, suggesting that they are threatened by concepts that challenge their control. The underlying issue points to a deeper concern about the rigidity of their societal structures and the dominant beliefs that dictate official perspectives. This fear may stifle innovation and dissent, resulting in a lack of progress and critical thought.
Vidal's assertion implies that, unlike in Russia, American governors might have a better understanding of how to handle dissenting ideas within a large, egalitarian society. In such environments, ideas that contradict the established norms often fail to gain traction within the authoritative framework. This suggests a fundamental difference in how governance and societal belief systems operate in contrasting political landscapes.
