In a closed society where everybody's guilty, the only crime is getting caught. In a world of thieves, the only final sin is stupidity.
The quote from Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" highlights the moral ambiguity of a society where wrongdoing is pervasive. In such an environment, being "caught" becomes the primary offense, overshadowing the actual crimes committed. This suggests a critique of social norms where guilt is universal, and the system punishes visibility rather than wrongdoing itself.
Furthermore, the statement implies that in a world filled with deceit and treachery, ignorance can be the worst misstep. Stupidity here represents a lack of awareness or savvy in navigating this deceptive realm, positioning it as the ultimate folly for anyone seeking survival in a corrupt landscape. This perspective invites reflection on the nature of morality and the consequences of living in a dishonest society.
