In Cormac McCarthy's novel "The Road," the protagonist reflects on the nature of humanity and suffering. He considers a troubling thought: throughout history, there may have been times when the amount of punishment inflicted on individuals exceeded the actual crimes committed. This realization weighs heavily on him, highlighting a pervasive sense of injustice in the world.

Despite this insight, he finds little solace in the idea. The acknowledgment of an imbalance between punishment and crime does not alleviate his own struggles or the bleakness of his circumstances. Instead, it emphasizes the overwhelming burden of despair and the moral complexities faced by those navigating a harsh, post-apocalyptic landscape.