Sarcasm carries the risk of harming the speaker, marking them as destructive or undermining. It reflects a negative approach to communication that can alienate others and erode trust. The use of sarcasm often leads to misunderstanding and can be viewed as a sign of disdain or contempt, making it a dangerous tool in interactions.

In contrast, irony offers a more nuanced form of expression that might help individuals maintain their values amidst the chaos of life. The author suggests that using irony can provide a protective layer, allowing one to engage critically with the world while still holding on to what is important, even when external pressures threaten to overwhelm those values.