House of Cards and Philosophy Quotes

“At this point, Underwood turns to us and remarks that “the only thing more satisfying than convincing someone to do what I want is failing to persuade them on purpose. It's like a Do Not Enter sign—it just begs you to walk through the door.”
― J. Edward Hackett, House of Cards and Philosophy: Underwood's Republic

“Frank's goals flow from his peculiar self-love. I say “peculiar” because every human being necessarily loves himself. One can't but love oneself, because one can't but will one's own good, and to love is to desire something as good. What makes Frank's self-love peculiar is that he places the summum bonum, the highest good, in himself. This is why Frank always instrumentalizes others to his own goals and interests. Frank's character should be understood as a radical existential challenge to St. Augustine's (354–430) critique of the libido dominandi, the lust for domination, because Frank holds forth his life as the one that is truly free. Augustine,”
― J. Edward Hackett, House of Cards and Philosophy: Underwood's Republic

“These are the kinds of presidents that democracies elect: unexceptional, cautious, and kind of whiney. Walker only does two interesting things: take Xanax and end his presidency. A real sovereign couldn't be taken down by some measly legislator. Underwood”
― J. Edward Hackett, House of Cards and Philosophy: Underwood's Republic

“Actually, the Italian Renaissance thinker would probably have been much more taken by the other FU, Francis Urquhart from the BBC's version of House of Cards. Francis Urquhart is every bit as devious and ruthless as Underwood. But he is much better at the how as well as the why. Unlike Underwood, Urquhart is careful to maintain a reputation for neutrality and integrity (“It becomes us to be humble and honest, good old Francis Urquhart still”). Also, he has a clear view of what is good for the nation and simply believes that he is the right person to secure it (“Britain must be governed, and you know who will do it best”). It”
― J. Edward Hackett, House of Cards and Philosophy: Underwood's Republic

“After all, voters tend not to support candidates who seem too different from themselves. How many times in a single speech can President Obama address us as “folks,” just to make it clear that he's one of us? In”
― J. Edward Hackett, House of Cards and Philosophy: Underwood's Republic