On p. 143, Walter states, "There ain't no causes - there ain't nothing but taking in this world, and he who takes the most is smartest - and it don't make a damn bit of difference how." Do you think that this is true? Why or why not?
I don’t think this is entirely true. (so long as take, in this question, means the consumption and use of material things). People who have done well for themselves can do a lot of things that the less fortunate can’t- with that money comes power, and a sort of social standing that can’t be achieved through, say, respect or being well- known. Money drives things forward, and no matter how you earn it you still have it. People can judge a wealthy person based on how they make their money, but at the end of the day, they’re still rich. One thing that doesn’t come with wealth regardless of how one comes upon it is intelligence. It doesn’t take intelligence to make money; it mostly takes luck, and being at the right place at the right time. Although they’re definitely in the minority, many people have succeeded without getting a decent education or creating something of value to others. This is most prevalent in occupations where other characteristics are valued over the thoughts in one’s head, which bring to mind the entertainment industry. Models, rappers, socialites- many of them simply happened to be picked up, while hundreds of others just like them flail about in a sea of obscurity. They did the right things, and because of those circumstances found themselves becoming well-known and making money. Many of those who take and consume the most, our 1%, have done something of value and have used their minds to become successful. That doesn’t mean that there are some who haven’t.
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