In her novel "The Accursed," Joyce Carol Oates explores the disturbing realities of society and the impact it has on individual well-being. The thought-provoking quote reflects the pervasive illness within the social fabric, suggesting that in a world filled with corruption, greed, and moral decay, genuine health—both mental and physical—becomes a rarity among its citizens.

Oates invites readers to examine the broader implications of societal dysfunction and to question how true wellness can exist amid such chaos. The notion prompts a deeper reflection on personal and collective responsibility, as well as the need for change in an environment steeped in suffering.