In "The Proud Highway," Hunter S. Thompson reflects on his views regarding poverty and the pursuit of honest labor. He expresses a strong aversion to both, indicating that he does not find fulfillment in either lifestyle. This leads him to conclude that writing is his only viable option for making a living and achieving personal satisfaction.

Thompson's statement underscores a profound struggle with societal norms around work and success. By choosing writing as his path, he embraces a life that allows him to express his thoughts and dissatisfaction, revealing the desperation that often accompanies the search for meaning and purpose in one's career.