Proverbs for Paranoids:1. You may never get to touch the Master, but you can tickle his creatures.2. The innocence of the creatures is in inverse proportion to the immorality of the Master.3. If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don't have to worry about answers.4. You hide, they seek.5. Paranoids are not paranoid because they're paranoid, but because they keep putting themselves, fucking idiots, deliberately into paranoid situations.
In "Gravity's Rainbow," Thomas Pynchon provides thought-provoking proverbs reflecting the nature of power and paranoia. One notable idea suggests that while one may never confront the true source of authority, there are ways to engage with its lesser representatives. This engagement reveals a dynamic where the innocence of these lesser beings often contrasts starkly with the ethical complexities of those in power. Essentially, this suggests that the actions of a powerful figure can overshadow the purity of their creations.
Furthermore, Pynchon's insights delve into the manipulation of perception. When individuals are led to focus on misguided inquiries, the actual truths become obscured. The concept of 'hiding' and 'seeking' illustrates a game where individuals often feel pursued due to their own choices. Ultimately, the text implies that paranoia often stems not from an inherent disposition but from placing oneself in precarious situations that exacerbate feelings of distrust and fear.