I have a slogan I use when I get anxious writing, which happens quite a bit: ‘the ordeal is part of the commitment.’ It’s one of my mantras. It makes a lot of things doable.
Philip RothRead
American society [...] not only sanctions gross and unfair relations among men, but it encourages them. Now, can that be denied? No. Rivalry, competition, envy, jealousy, all that is malignant in human character is nourished by the system. Possession, money, property--on such corrupt standards as these do you people measure happiness and success.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques American society for promoting negative traits such as envy and competition as measures of success and happiness.
Philip Roth's quote reflects on the inherent flaws in American society, suggesting that it not only allows but actively promotes harmful characteristics such as rivalry and jealousy among individuals. He argues that societal values centered around material possessions and wealth corrupt the true understanding of happiness and success, indicating that the prevailing standards are fundamentally flawed and detrimental to human relationships.
Themes
SocietyHappinessSuccessEnvyCompetitionWealth
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about societal values at a community center event.
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