In Douglas Coupland's novel JPod, the narrator humorously critiques a friend's pretentiousness for using quotes from Nietzsche in emails, contrasting it with the friend's past enjoyment of silly comedies like American Pie 2. This shift in personality raises questions about authenticity and personal growth, examining how people can sometimes adopt personas that feel disingenuous.

The narrator's remarks highlight the absurdity of superficial transformations, suggesting that one’s interests and beliefs should remain genuine rather than being adopted to impress others. Coupland uses this dynamic to explore themes of identity, social expectations, and the tension between personal authenticity and public perception.