In Richard Russo's "Straight Man," the protagonist grapples with his belief that life is not about absorbing the lessons of others. He acknowledges that, while he must face the consequences of his actions, he rejects the idea of learning from the moral teachings imposed by society. This reflects a deep-seated skepticism about conforming to societal expectations, suggesting that he values personal autonomy over blind obedience.

His perspective highlights a resistance to conventional moral education, implying that true understanding cannot come from external instruction. Instead, he argues that if individuals truly learned these lessons, they would become compliant and lose their individuality. This conflict between personal freedom and societal norms shapes his character and informs his choices throughout the narrative.