In "Unsheltered," Barbara Kingsolver explores themes of societal values and personal motivations. She critiques a prevailing mindset in which personal greed is celebrated and positioned as a defining principle of American life. By highlighting this phenomenon, Kingsolver suggests that individualism often overshadows communal responsibility and moral obligations in contemporary culture.
The quote, "He's legitimizing personal greed as the principal religion of our country," encapsulates this critique. It emphasizes the danger of prioritizing self-interest above collective welfare, arguing that this belief system undermines the fabric of society and leads to moral disengagement from important social issues. Overall, Kingsolver's work invites readers to reflect on the implications of such values on our communities and the environment.