...his conviction that he was not put here in this world to learn other people's lessons. He'll accept his punishment because he has no choice, but he'll pass when it comes to the education...If we were capable of learning our lessons we'd become obedient. Sensing this, we're dead set against moral instruction.
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.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
