In William Faulkner's "The Wild Palms," a stark reflection on civilization and humanity's flaws emerges. The quote suggests that if Jesus were to return, he would face immediate danger from society, as people would feel threatened by his challenge to the values they have built over centuries. This highlights a deep irony in human nature, where the sacrifices and struggles meant to create a moral and just civilization lead to a defense of that civilization against its own moral truth. Furthermore, the mention of Venus as a "soiled man" in a subway lavatory signifies the degradation of ideals and beauty in the modern world. It underscores a loss of innocence and purity, showing that what was once revered can become tainted over time. Together, these points illustrate the tension between societal progress and the inherent flaws that come with it, prompting a critique of the very civilization people have worked to cultivate.