Like Indiana Jones, I don't like snakes - though that might lead
Like Indiana Jones, I don't like snakes - though that might lead some to ask why I'm in politics.
When Theresa May declared, “Like Indiana Jones, I don’t like snakes—though that might lead some to ask why I’m in politics,” she wrapped wit around wisdom. Her words reveal the ancient truth that politics, though adorned with banners of law and service, is often slithering with deceit, treachery, and hidden danger. The snake is the timeless symbol of cunning and betrayal, and May admits, with humor yet with honesty, that she found herself in an arena crawling with them.
The ancients often used the serpent as emblem of danger both feared and respected. In Eden, the snake whispered temptation; in Greek myth, it coiled around heroes to test their strength; in Rome, it symbolized both healing and destruction. Thus, May’s metaphor is not mere jest—it is the recognition that the halls of politics are filled with those who smile in daylight but strike in shadows. To dislike snakes is natural, yet to walk among them in governance is inevitable.
History gives us many examples of this paradox. Julius Caesar, though adored by the people, was surrounded by senators who cloaked daggers beneath their togas. The Ides of March was not the fall of a man alone, but the proof that politics is a realm where betrayal hides close at hand. Likewise, May’s observation reflects her own trials as Prime Minister, beset not only by foes but by rivals within her own party, serpents striking even as they swore allegiance.
Her words also serve as a warning to future generations: that to enter politics is to walk knowingly into a den where danger is constant, trust is fragile, and survival requires vigilance. The noble may long for honesty, but the world of power rarely offers such purity. The wise must therefore learn, not to love the snakes, but to endure them—recognizing their nature, guarding against their strike, and still pressing forward in service of the greater good.
Thus, May’s jest carries the weight of prophecy: those who detest the serpent may still find themselves compelled to walk among them. For the work of governance cannot be abandoned to the treacherous alone. It demands that even those who fear deceit stand firm amidst it, wielding courage greater than cunning. And in this lies the eternal lesson: though the path of politics may be lined with serpents, those who endure with strength and integrity can still carve a road of service through the coils of betrayal.
THYEN QUACH THI HAI
Theresa May’s comparison is a clever way to talk about the discomforts of politics. It makes me think—do politicians ever really get used to the ‘snakes’ they face, or does it always feel like an ongoing challenge? Perhaps it’s not just about overcoming fears but about how one manages to stay grounded and true to their goals, despite the political ‘snakes’ lurking around.
TBTam Be
This quote makes me think about how politics can feel like an adventure, yet full of things you’d rather avoid. Just like Indiana Jones, politicians face risks and difficulties that are part of the job. It raises an interesting question, though: why would someone willingly choose to put themselves in that position? Is it about ambition, a sense of duty, or something else entirely?
VTLe van tung
I love how Theresa May uses humor to discuss the tough realities of politics. It seems like she’s acknowledging that, just like Indiana Jones, politicians often find themselves in situations that test their patience and bravery. But does this mean politics is inherently unpleasant, or is it just about overcoming discomfort for the greater good? How do we continue to move forward in politics when the ‘snakes’ are constantly in our path?
PHphuong huyen
Theresa May’s comparison of herself to Indiana Jones is an interesting one. It’s a humorous way to acknowledge that politics can sometimes feel like a dangerous or uncomfortable journey, full of challenges and unexpected issues. But it also makes me wonder: Does being in politics require facing fears, like the ‘snakes’ she mentions, and how does one maintain courage when surrounded by those challenges?