In Gore Vidal's novel "Julian," the complexity of power and legitimacy is explored through the idea that those who betray their country can be seen as patriots if they achieve their goals. The quote suggests that context and outcomes shape our perceptions of loyalty and treason. When traitors succeed, they are often celebrated as heroes rather than condemned. Similarly, the concept of usurpation is highlighted, indicating that even those who seize power unlawfully can attain a sort of divine status if they are successful. This duality reveals the hypocrisy in societal judgments of right and wrong based on the results of one's actions, rather than the morality of the actions themselves.

In Gore Vidal's novel "Julian," the complexity of power and legitimacy is explored through the idea that those who betray their country can be seen as patriots if they achieve their goals. The quote suggests that context and outcomes shape our perceptions of loyalty and treason. When traitors succeed, they are often celebrated as heroes rather than condemned.

Similarly, the concept of usurpation is highlighted, indicating that even those who seize power unlawfully can attain a sort of divine status if they are successful. This duality reveals the hypocrisy in societal judgments of right and wrong based on the results of one's actions, rather than the morality of the actions themselves.