The quote from John Berendt's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" suggests a perspective on financial priorities and dependency. It implies that one should not waste their own earnings on clothing and accessories, but rather should have someone else take on that financial responsibility. This viewpoint emphasizes the importance of resource management, especially in areas perceived as luxury or non-essential expenses.
By advocating for a 'mayyin' to handle such purchases, the quote touches on themes of social status and relationships. It indicates that having someone else cater to personal style can ensure that individuals focus on more important matters, while their aesthetic needs are met by others, reflecting a lifestyle choice that values assistance and possibly indulgence over self-sufficiency.