Meaning: This quote by Ted Morgan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and biographer, provides an intriguing perspective on the eccentric and enigmatic figure of Howard Hughes. The quote captures the essence of Hughes' larger-than-life persona and his ability to indulge in extravagant and seemingly irrational behaviors due to his immense wealth and influence.

Howard Hughes was a highly successful and influential figure in the fields of aviation, engineering, and filmmaking. Born in 1905, Hughes inherited a substantial fortune from his family and went on to build an empire through his entrepreneurial endeavors. He was known for his innovative aircraft designs, such as the H-4 Hercules, popularly known as the "Spruce Goose," as well as his involvement in the film industry, producing and directing movies such as "Hell's Angels" and "The Outlaw."

However, alongside his remarkable achievements, Hughes was also known for his eccentric behavior and reclusive lifestyle. He became increasingly isolated and paranoid, withdrawing from public life and spending long periods in seclusion, often in hotel suites or private residences. His idiosyncrasies and alleged struggles with mental health became the subject of public fascination and speculation.

The quote by Ted Morgan draws a parallel between Hughes' behavior and the delusional belief of someone who thinks they are Napoleon, a historical figure known for his grandiose ambitions and military conquests. This comparison highlights the extent to which Hughes' wealth and power allowed him to indulge in extravagant and often bewildering pursuits, much like a person who not only believes themselves to be a historical figure but also goes to great lengths to validate that belief.

Morgan's choice of words, particularly the phrase "the luxury of madness," conveys the idea that Hughes' eccentricities were not only enabled but perhaps even facilitated by his vast resources. The notion of "hiring an army to prove it" further emphasizes the extravagant lengths to which Hughes could go in pursuit of his goals, regardless of how unconventional or unfathomable they may have seemed to others.

The quote also invites contemplation on the relationship between wealth, power, and individual agency. It prompts consideration of the extent to which Hughes' financial resources shielded him from the consequences of his actions and allowed him to defy societal norms and expectations. Moreover, it suggests that Hughes' behavior may have been a manifestation of the unfettered autonomy that his wealth afforded him, enabling him to act on his impulses and whims with little regard for conventional boundaries.

In essence, the quote offers a thought-provoking insight into the complex and enigmatic persona of Howard Hughes. It encapsulates the paradox of a man who wielded immense influence and resources, allowing him to manifest behaviors that appeared irrational or extravagant to the outside world. Ted Morgan's evocative language and astute observation provide a lens through which we can contemplate the intersection of wealth, power, and individual eccentricity, as exemplified by the extraordinary life of Howard Hughes.