Gore Vidal - Creation -

: His own grandfather, whose dualistic struggle between good and evil forms the core of Spitama's skepticism.

: Encountered in India, he is portrayed as self-involved, with his concept of Nirvana dismissed as useless nihilism by the worldly Spitama. Gore Vidal - Creation

: Viewed with immense dislike by Spitama, who considers him an annoying and poor philosopher. Core Themes What I Am Reading: "Creation" by Gore Vidal : His own grandfather, whose dualistic struggle between

: The only thinker Spitama respects, viewing him as a practical "political animal" focused on social order rather than abstract mysticism. : His own grandfather

: Iconic Greek victories like Marathon and Salamis are treated as minor border skirmishes that insignificantly hindered Persian interests in much wealthier territories like India and China. The "Axial Age" Exploration