In Walker Percy's "The Moviegoer," the author explores the concept of recognizing the superficiality and insincerity of modern life, which he metaphorically refers to as "merde." The protagonist suggests that his inherited ability to detect this "merde" indicates a deeper understanding of the existential crises that ensnare individuals in a consumer-driven society. He senses that the culture is rife with artificiality, where authentic experiences and individuality are compromised in favor of conformity and comfort.

The metaphor of living in a "great shithouse of scientific humanism" illustrates a critique of a world where people seek fulfillment in shallow pursuits. The comparison to a dung beetle highlights the irony of thriving in such an environment, suggesting that while society may appear to prosper superficially, it ultimately feeds off the very waste it generates. This critique invites readers to reflect on the nature of true fulfillment and identity amid a landscape cluttered by false pretenses and fleeting pleasures.