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About this quote

What does it mean?
Thompson compares modern society to lost pygmies, suggesting we face psychological collapse rather than war. He calls it a recurring nervous breakdown.
In plain terms
We are confused and mentally breaking down, not fighting a war.
What can you take from it?
Society is having a mental crisis.

Where it applies

  • social commentary
  • mental health discussion
  • cultural critique

Putting it to work

  • analyze societal stress
  • study cultural confusion
  • examine breakdown metaphors

Questions to consider

  • Is society experiencing a breakdown?
  • What does this breakdown look like?

Another view

The metaphor oversimplifies complex social problems.

More from Hunter S. Thompson

  1. All political power comes from the barrel of either guns, pussy, or opium pipes, and people seem to like it that way.

    Permalink to quote #44
  2. I understand that fear is my friend, but not always. Never turn your back on fear. It should always be in front of you, like a thing that might have to be kill…

    Permalink to quote #46
  3. The only difference between the Sane and the Insane, is IN and yet within this world, the Sane have the power to have the Insane locked up.

    Permalink to quote #43

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