Kurt Vonnegut Jr. highlights a significant cultural difference in American attitudes toward poverty and wisdom in "Slaughterhouse-Five." While many cultures celebrate the virtues and wisdom of the poor, Americans often view poverty through a lens of self-deprecation and admiration for wealth. This suggests an ingrained belief that economic success equates to intelligence and worth, leading to a glorification of the wealthy and a dismissal of those who are struggling.
The statement,...