But, as I have said, the bugs had no interest in getting us…and no great curiosity or enthusiasm about us as such; from the cowardly cockroaches to the blind stolid ants they wanted only to be left alone to eat and breed and eat and breed, just like us.
In William T. Vollmann's "You Bright and Risen Angels," the portrayal of bugs highlights their indifference towards humans. The quote emphasizes that these creatures, from cockroaches to ants, are not driven by a desire to engage with or harm us. Instead, they focus solely on their basic instincts of survival, reproduction, and sustenance.
This comparison draws a parallel between human and insect existence, suggesting that both species are primarily concerned with fulfilling their needs. The bugs’ lack of interest in humans serves as a reminder that while we may be preoccupied with our thoughts and lives, the natural world operates with its own simple, unambitious motives.
