Americans love to pick up, move on, start over. But instead of being somebody fresh and new, they become somebody lonely and lost, or, far too often these days, they become nobody at all, a machine for satisfying hunger, without loyalty or honor or duty.
The quote from Orson Scott Card's book "Enchantment" highlights a prevalent theme in American culture regarding the pursuit of new beginnings and fresh starts. It suggests that while many people embrace the idea of reinventing themselves, they often end up feeling isolated and disconnected instead. Rather than finding fulfillment and purpose, they risk becoming mere shells of their former selves, overwhelmed by the pressures of modern life.
This passage reflects a deeper concern about the loss of personal identity and community ties. The transformation into a "machine for satisfying hunger" indicates a trend where individuals prioritize survival and basic needs over emotional connections and values such as loyalty and duty. Card's insight serves as a warning about the dangers of losing one's sense of self in the pursuit of constant change and novelty.
