In "World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War," Max Brooks presents a grim perspective on societal issues like poverty, crime, disease, and war. He suggests that these fundamental problems are persistent and perhaps unsolvable, likening them to a chronic condition that society must learn to manage rather than eradicate. This view highlights the complexities of such issues and the limitations of human efforts to completely resolve them.

Brooks's assertion reflects a broader commentary on the nature of societal challenges, emphasizing that they often remain entrenched despite our best intentions. The analogy of these issues as "societal herpes" suggests that while remedies may exist, the core problems often linger, re-emerging whenever conditions are favorable. This recognition invites a more realistic approach to addressing these enduring challenges.