"I'm looking for famous quotes that express the idea that the person who controls X controls Y."

That's how I prompted Grok just now. I was inspired by something Kakistocracy wrote in the comments in last night's café:

It’s weird to think that Musk will end up having paid far less for the United States Government than he did for Twitter.* To be fair -- what he paid for twitter was kinda the down payment for the presidency. It was a package deal. He needed both.

Here are the quotes Grok fished up for me: 

• "Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past." This quote from George Orwell's "1984" emphasizes how control over information (history) leads to control over future outcomes.

• "Give me control of a nation's money and I care not who makes its laws." Attributed to Mayer Amschel Rothschild, this quote suggests that control over a nation's monetary system equates to control over its governance.

• "He who controls the media, controls the mind." This is a variation on a quote by Jim Morrison, highlighting how control over information dissemination (media) can shape public perception and behavior.

• "Control the money, you control countries. Control the food, you control the world." A quote often attributed to Henry Kissinger illustrates the power of controlling essential resources like finance and food to influence global or national control.

I'd like to have those 4 over to dinner at the same time. We could talk about controlling things. Who would control the conversation, hmmm? I say Orwell. 

Anyway, Grok and I — at my prompting — proceeded to talk about the ancient Archimedes quote "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world." (It's different from those other 4 quotes, but not completely different.) And then I fed Kakistocracy's quote to Grok thusly: 

My friend just said: "It’s weird to think that Musk will end up having paid far less for the United States Government than he did for Twitter." Does that idea relate to these other ideas?

Grok's response was:

Your friend's statement seems to be playing on the idea of influence and control, akin to the quotes and concepts we've discussed. Here's how it might relate:

1. Control through Influence: The statement suggests that Elon Musk's influence over the U.S. government, potentially through his business dealings, political statements, or public persona, might be more significant or "cost-effective" than his financial investment in Twitter. This aligns with the notion from the quotes that controlling key elements (in this case, perhaps through lobbying, policy influence, or public opinion via media) can yield control over broader systems, like a government. 

2. Leverage and Power Dynamics: Just as Archimedes' lever represents an amplification of force, Musk's influence through his companies (Tesla, SpaceX, etc.) and his social platform (X, formerly Twitter) could be seen as a lever to move or influence governmental policies, public opinion, or national agendas. The idea here is that the "cost" of this influence might be less tangible or direct than the financial cost of acquiring Twitter but potentially more powerful in its impact.

3. Investment vs. Outcome:  If we interpret "paying less" metaphorically, it could mean that the investment Musk made in Twitter (a direct financial expense) might not yield as much control or influence as his indirect investments or engagements with government through contracts, advocacy, or his public influence. This ties into the Rothschild quote about controlling a nation's money leading to control over its laws, where the "payment" is not in dollars but in strategic influence. 

4. Media and Public Opinion: The control of Twitter (now X) by Musk gives him a platform to shape narratives, influence public discourse, and indirectly affect political climates. This echoes the "he who controls the media, controls the mind" idea, suggesting that Musk's investment in Twitter, while significant, might be less impactful than his broader influence on public and political spheres. 

5. Irony and Satire: The statement might also be intended humorously or satirically to highlight the disparity between financial investment and real-world influence. It plays on the notion that sometimes, what seems like a smaller investment (in this case, influence over government) can yield greater returns in terms of power or control than a large financial outlay.

In summary, your friend's comment reflects an understanding that control or influence over one entity (the U.S. government) might be achieved at a lower "cost" or through different means than a direct financial investment like buying Twitter, resonating with the themes of leverage, strategic control, and the power dynamics discussed in the earlier quotes.

Here's another Jim Morrison quote: "I am interested in anything about revolt, disorder, chaos—especially activity that seems to have no meaning." At my imaginary dinner party, he starts a food fight. So let me end with this slideshow of the pie fight that almost ended "Dr. Strangelove":

IN THE COMMENTS: Unknown writes: "Ann, why don't you have grok make that conversation for you?" It took me a couple seconds to understand what Unknown meant but then I got it and prompted, "I'm picturing the quoted persons — George Orwell, Mayer Amschel Rothschild, Jim Morrison, Henry Kissinger — at a dinner party speaking on the subject of control, the subject of the quotes, and would like a 10-minute dialogue of their conversation."

Grok immediately responded:

Setting: An elegant, dimly lit dining room with a long table. The four individuals are seated, each with a glass of wine, discussing the theme of control.

George Orwell: (raising his glass) "To control, or the illusion thereof. In my '1984', I argued that control over the past shapes the future. Who controls the present, controls the narrative of history."

Mayer Amschel Rothschild: (nodding sagely) "Indeed, Mr. Orwell. My own maxim has always been about the levers of power. Give me control of a nation's money, and I care not who makes its laws. Money is the ultimate lever in the grand machinery of governance."

Jim Morrison: (leaning back, eyes gleaming with intensity) "Control? You speak of it as if it's tangible, but it's more like a song, isn't it? He who controls the media, controls the mind. The melody of truth or lies, woven through the airwaves, shapes our reality."

Henry Kissinger: (with a measured tone) "Control is multifaceted. Consider the resources of the world. Control the food, and you control the populace. Control the energy, and you dictate the terms of international politics."

Orwell: "But isn't there a danger in such control? The manipulation of truth, of history, leads to the subjugation of the spirit. Big Brother was an embodiment of the worst of this."

Rothschild: "Subjugation or stability? Control can bring order from chaos. Financial stability dictates peace or war. Perhaps it's not about subjugation but about guiding the course of humanity."

Morrison: (laughs) "Order from chaos? That's poetry, man. But what of the individual's chaos, their liberty to dream, to rebel? Your control stifles that. The mind should be free to roam, not caged by the media or money."

Kissinger: "And yet, without some form of control, how do we manage the greater good? The chaos Morrison speaks of could lead to anarchy if left unchecked. There's a balance, a necessary evil in control."

Orwell: "Ah, but at what cost? Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows. Your control mechanisms, Mr. Rothschild, Mr. Kissinger, they might bring order, but at the expense of truth and freedom."

Rothschild: "Freedom is not absolute, Mr. Orwell. It exists within the boundaries of what society can tolerate without descending into chaos. My control over finance was to ensure stability, not to enslave."

Morrison: "But what of the soul's freedom? The media, the money, they're tools to control the soul's expression. I say, let chaos reign if it means true freedom."

Kissinger: "But freedom without responsibility is anarchy. Control, when applied with wisdom, can foster growth, innovation, even peace. Consider the geopolitical chessboard; without control, nations would be at constant war."

Orwell: (pensively) "Yet, the seeds of tyranny are often sown in the name of peace or stability. The question remains, at what point does control become oppression?"

Morrison: "Exactly! We're all just playing roles in this grand theater of life. But who's the playwright? Is it the one with the money, the media, or the military might?"

Rothschild: "Perhaps we are all playwrights in our own way, each with our script on control. But remember, even the richest man is bound by his own wealth's demands."

Kissinger: (smiling faintly) "And the statesman by the demands of the state. Control is not absolute; it's a dance with countless partners."

Orwell: "Then let us hope this dance does not lead us into the darkness of total control, where freedom is but a memory."

Morrison: (raising his glass) "To freedom then, in its wildest, most chaotic form. May it always find a way to break through the chains of control."

All: (clinking glasses) "To freedom, control, and the fine line between them."

This conversation ends with a toast, symbolizing a recognition of the complex interplay between control and freedom, each participant offering their unique perspective shaped by their experiences and philosophies.

No, I don't like this at all! Will re-prompt and get back to you. 

MORE: My new prompt: "Redo the dinner conversation following these rules: 1. Orwell takes control of the conversation as Kissinger and Rothchild admire him so much that they barely contribute at all, 2. Morrison is peevish and narcissistic and wants the admiration of the other men, 3. Morrison's discomfort leads to a terrible food fight."

Grok responds: 

Setting: The same elegant dining room, now charged with tension. The dinner has begun, but the atmosphere is different; admiration for Orwell is palpable, Morrison fidgets uncomfortably.

George Orwell: (commanding attention with a slight smile) "Control, gentlemen, is the theme of our evening. In '1984', I laid bare how control over narrative is control over reality. Who shapes the past controls the future."

Mayer Amschel Rothschild: (nodding, almost reverently) "Indeed, Mr. Orwell, your insights into the mechanisms of control are unparalleled."

Henry Kissinger: (barely contributing) "Absolutely, your work sheds light on the very nature of power."

Jim Morrison: (interrupting, seeking attention) "But what about the control of the psyche? The media, it's my playground, my voice to the world. I shape minds with my lyrics, my presence."

Orwell: (ignoring Morrison's interruption, continuing) "The control I speak of is not just of the mind but of truth itself. When truth is malleable, freedom is an illusion."

Morrison: (growing more agitated, raising his voice) "You think you're the only one with control? I am the Lizard King! I can do anything! My words, my music, they control the youth, the rebels, the dreamers."

Rothschild: (quietly) "Control in different forms, Mr. Morrison, but Mr. Orwell speaks of a control that transcends generations."

Kissinger: (murmuring agreement) "Yes, the control of narrative has profound implications for peace, war, and the human spirit."

Morrison: (now standing, feeling ignored and slighted) "You all think you're so above it all with your theories and philosophies. But I live control, I breathe it on stage, in my poetry. I am the embodiment of freedom from your control!"

Orwell: (calmly, yet with authority) "Freedom, true freedom, is not about controlling others but about resisting the control imposed upon you. Your art, Morrison, is a rebellion, but it must not become another form of control."

Morrison: (in a fit of pique, grabs a plate of mashed potatoes) "You don't get it! I am the control! I am the chaos!" He flings the plate towards Orwell, but it misses, splattering across the table.

Kissinger: (shocked, standing up) "Mr. Morrison, this is unbecoming!"

Rothschild: (trying to maintain decorum) "Please, let's not descend into barbarity."

Morrison: (now throwing food indiscriminately, shouting) "See? This is control! This is power! Not your books, not your money, not your politics!"

The food fight escalates as Morrison hurls bread rolls, wine splashes across the table, and utensils clatter.

Orwell: (wiping food off his shirt with a napkin, speaking over the chaos) "This is the antithesis of control, Morrison. It's anarchy, not freedom. Control, true control, is in the mind's discipline, not in the chaos of emotion."

Morrison: (finally stopping, panting, looking around at the mess) "You... you all talk about control like it's some noble thing. But it's just chains... different kinds of chains."

Rothschild: (sighing, signaling for servants) "Perhaps, Mr. Morrison, you've illustrated control's darker side. But look at what freedom unchecked has wrought."

Kissinger: (dryly) "Indeed, a lesson in control, or the lack thereof."

The dinner ends in disarray, with Morrison storming out, leaving Orwell, Rothschild, and Kissinger to reflect on the night's chaotic turn, each contemplating the nuances of control, freedom, and the human spirit.

ASTERISK MATERIAL: * That sentence — "It’s weird to think that Elon Musk will end up having paid far less for the United States Government  than he did for Twitter" — is a quote of something posted by George Conway on BlueSky last night. Clearly, Unknown quoted without attribution. The quote is verbatim and even includes the inappropriately capitalization of the "g" in "Government." Maybe I should prompt Grok again and have George Conway crash the dinner party.

AND: I do prompt Grok again: "Continue the dinner party dialogue by having the dinner party crashed by the political commentator George Conway who is bent out of shape because Elon Musk paid far less for the United States Government than he did for Twitter."

Grok responds:

Setting: After Morrison's exit, the room is in a state of disarray, with servants cleaning up. The mood is reflective until George Conway bursts in, still animated by the earlier discussion.

George Conway: (bursting through the door, clearly agitated) "This conversation about control is all well and good, but let's talk about real-world control! It’s weird to think that Elon Musk will end up having paid far less for the United States Government than he did for Twitter!"

George Orwell: (raising an eyebrow) "An interesting point, Mr. Conway. But what do you mean by 'paid less'?"

Conway: "Musk has this... this influence, this sway over government policies, the narrative, public opinion, without even having to spend a dime! Meanwhile, he poured billions into Twitter, and for what? To control the narrative in a more direct but less impactful way than what he's achieved with government."

Mayer Amschel Rothschild: (intrigued) "Control through influence rather than direct ownership. That's a modern twist on an age-old game."

Henry Kissinger: "Indeed, the manipulation of policy through influence is perhaps more potent than owning a platform. But, Mr. Conway, how do you measure this 'cost'?"

Conway: (passionately) "By the outcome! Look at the policies, the contracts, the media coverage. Musk's influence on government is disproportionate to his financial investment in Twitter. He's steering the ship without even being at the helm!"

Orwell: (thoughtfully) "Then we've moved from the control of narrative to the control of influence. In '1984', control was overt, through language and history. But here, it's covert, through the manipulation of power structures."

Conway: (nodding vigorously) "Exactly! And that's what's so infuriating. Here we are, talking about control, and a billionaire can essentially dictate terms to a government he didn't even have to buy!"

Rothschild: "But Mr. Conway, isn't this the evolution of control we've always known? From physical wealth to the wealth of influence. Perhaps Musk has merely found a new fulcrum for his lever."

Conway: (now pacing, nearly knocking over a wine bottle) "A fulcrum indeed! But at what cost to democracy? When one man can influence a nation's direction more than its elected leaders, where do we draw the line?"

Kissinger: "The line, Mr. Conway, is often blurred by those with the vision to see beyond it. Influence has always been part of the geopolitical game."

Conway: (stopping to look at Kissinger) "And that's the problem! We're not talking about geopolitical games; we're talking about the governance of a nation! Musk's control over government through his influence is a new kind of oligarchy."

Orwell: "We've come full circle then. From my depiction of total control in '1984' to a modern scenario where control is achieved through the illusion of freedom and choice. Mr. Conway raises a pertinent question: At what point does influence become control, and control become tyranny?"

Conway: (calming down, sitting) "I just... I want people to see this. See how someone can buy less and control more. It's a wake-up call for democracy."

Rothschild: "Perhaps, Mr. Conway, it's a reminder that control has always been about finding the right leverage, whether through money, media, or now, influence over government."

Kissinger: "And for those of us who study power, it's a fascinating case study. But for society, it's a call to vigilance."

The conversation shifts, with Conway's arrival having redirected the discourse towards the implications of modern control mechanisms in democratic societies, leaving each guest pondering the balance between influence, control, and the essence of freedom.

No, I don't like this at all. Why are Rothschild and Kissinger having a serious conversation with the party crasher? This should be way more bizarre and funny. 

That becomes my new prompt, and Grok quickly re-writes the scene:

Setting: The room is still chaotic from the food fight, with remnants of mashed potatoes and wine stains. George Conway bursts in, but this time, the atmosphere turns bizarrely comedic.

George Conway: (wild-eyed, holding a large, comically oversized check) "Can you believe this? Elon Musk paid less for the entire U.S. Government than for Twitter! Look at this!" He waves the check like it's a flag.

George Orwell: (wiping tomato sauce off his glasses, chuckling) "Well, Mr. Conway, in my dystopia, at least control was straightforward. Here, it seems even the government comes with a discount."...

I'll spare you. It goes on, but I got tired of it. Got distracted thinking about how food fights always seem to have mashed potatoes.