In "Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life," the author Jon Lee Anderson explores Guevara's profound feelings about society. He describes how Guevara’s long-brewing disdain for civilization has come to a head, highlighting his discomfort with modern life. This disdain stems from observing individuals moving frantically and mindlessly in a society overwhelmed by noise, which contrasts starkly with his yearning for tranquility and peace.

Guevara perceives the hustle and bustle of civilization as a destructive force, one that dehumanizes individuals and erodes the essence of life. His reflections signify a deep-seated conflict between his revolutionary ideals and the chaotic nature of urban existence, encapsulating his journey towards advocating for change in a world he views as fundamentally flawed.