- I cannot fiddle, but I can make a great state from a little city.
- What?
- Themistocles, sir. A Greek philosopher.
— T. E. Lawrence (Toole), (Peter O’Toole)
10 seconds sound clip from the Lawrence of Arabia movie soundboard.
You can hear this line at 00:14:52 in the Blu-ray version of the movie.
Quote context
[...]
- My manner, sir. It looks insubordinate, but it isn't really.
- I can't make out whether you're bloody bad-mannered or just half-witted.
- I have the same problem, sir.
- Shut up.
- The Arab Bureau seem to think you would be of some use to them in Arabia. Why, I can't imagine.
- You don't seem able to perform your present duties properly.
- I cannot fiddle, but I can make a great state from a little city.
- What?
- Themistocles, sir. A Greek philosopher.
- I know you've been well-educated, Lawrence. It says so in your dossier.
- You're the kind of creature I can't stand, Lawrence. But I suppose I could be wrong.
- All right. You can have him for six weeks. Who knows? It might even make a man of him.
[...]