In "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls, the author shares an encounter with her mother that reveals the family's unconventional values. Jeannette's mother expresses her disapproval of her youngest daughter wearing thrift-store clothing like the rest of the family. Instead, she suggests that they resort to shoplifting as a solution. This raises moral questions for Jeannette, who wonders about the ethics of such actions. Mom defends her suggestion by arguing that bending the rules can be acceptable under certain circumstances, likening it to justifiable homicide. She frames the act of stealing as "justifiable pilfering," emphasizing a mindset that prioritizes necessity over morality. This conversation highlights the complex dynamics of family, survival, and the blurred lines of ethics within their unconventional lifestyle.