I’ve never really liked Gore Vidal. I don’t know why, I just have never cared fro the man or for his writing. I also feel a bit queasy when I hear someone quoting him as if some special knowledge has been imparted to him that everyone else missed. The “What I’ve Learned” article on him in the June Esquire I think explains why I’ve never cared for the man.

Some quotes from that article:

I’ve developed a total loathing for McCain, conceited little asshole. And he thinks he’s wonderful. I mean, you can just tell, this little simper of self-love that he does all the time. You just want to kick him.

“You got to meet everyone—Jackie Kennedy, William Burroughs.” People always put that sentence the wrong way around. I mean, why not put it the true way, that these people got to meet me, and wanted to? Otherwise it sounds like I spent my life hustling around trying to meet people” Oh , look, there’s the governor.

I wasn’t like everyone, you know. What everyone did, I was sure not to do it.

I went into a line of work in which jealousy is the principle emotion between practitioners. I don’t think I ever suffered from it, because there was no need. But I was aware of it in others, and I found it a regrettable fault.

And this man find McCain conceited? Never liked Vidal, never will. This article convinced me I was right in not liking him. I am still bothered that so many people conitnue to listne to him as if he has some grreat insight into the world.