Meaning: This quote by José Saramago, a renowned Portuguese writer and Nobel Prize winner, reflects a thought-provoking insight into the political dynamics between the right and left ideologies. Saramago's observation suggests that the right-leaning political movements can operate and govern without a strong reliance on new or innovative ideas, while the left-leaning movements necessitate a foundation of fresh and progressive ideas in order to effectively govern. This notion sheds light on the contrasting approaches to governance and the underlying philosophies of the political spectrum.

The right-wing political ideology is often associated with conservatism, traditional values, and the preservation of the status quo. This perspective emphasizes stability, order, and established norms, which may not always require the constant generation of new ideas to govern effectively. Instead, the right tends to focus on maintaining existing structures and policies, often drawing on historical precedent and established practices to guide decision-making and governance.

On the other hand, the left-wing political ideology is often characterized by a focus on progress, social equality, and the pursuit of new ideas and policies to address emerging challenges. The left's approach to governance is rooted in the belief that societal progress and improvement are contingent upon the development and implementation of innovative ideas and policies. As such, the left may face greater pressure to continually generate and implement new ideas in order to govern effectively and address the evolving needs of society.

Saramago's statement also implies that the right's ability to govern without a heavy reliance on new ideas may stem from its emphasis on maintaining existing power structures and upholding traditional values. In contrast, the left's commitment to challenging and reshaping these structures in pursuit of social change necessitates a continuous generation of new ideas and approaches to governance.

Furthermore, this quote raises questions about the role of ideology in governance. It suggests that the right's focus on maintaining stability and order may not always align with the need for innovative solutions to address contemporary issues. Conversely, the left's emphasis on progress and change may require a constant influx of new ideas to drive societal transformation and meet the diverse needs of the population.

In contemporary political discourse, Saramago's observation invites reflection on the dynamics of governance and the role of ideology in shaping policy and decision-making. It highlights the potential challenges and strengths inherent in both left and right ideologies when it comes to governing and addressing the complex and multifaceted issues facing modern societies.

In conclusion, José Saramago's quote encapsulates a thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between ideas and governance within the context of left and right political ideologies. It underscores the contrasting approaches to governance and the differing reliance on new ideas between the two ideological perspectives. This quote serves as a catalyst for deeper contemplation on the dynamics of political governance and the role of ideology in shaping policy and decision-making.