In Arturo Pérez-Reverte's book "Good Men," the author reflects on the nature of humanity, suggesting that people are often driven by harsh realities rather than moral sentiments. He paints a picture of mankind as a flawed and clumsy creature, one that responds more effectively to punishment than to kindness or compassion. This perspective challenges the notion that good feelings can incentivize positive behavior.

The quote highlights a cynical view of human motivation, proposing that the threat of consequences might be more compelling than appeals to ethics or goodness. Pérez-Reverte's writing encourages readers to reconsider the factors that inspire action and morality, indicating that a strict approach may sometimes elicit better results than a gentle one.