In Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here," the author critiques the use of the phrase "you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs" as a dangerous justification for oppressive actions and regimes. He passionately argues that this metaphor is often exploited by tyrants, regardless of their political ideology, to rationalize atrocities and violence against the innocent.

Lewis emphasizes the gravity of human life and suffering, suggesting that reducing people to mere ingredients in a recipe for progress is grotesque. He insists that the struggle for freedom and dignity must not be sacrificed in the name of political or ideological gains, highlighting the importance of protecting individual rights against despotism.