The essence of spirit, he thought to himself, was to choose the thing which did not better one's position but made it more perilous. That was why the world he knew was poor, for it insisted morality and caution were identical.
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In Norman Mailer's "The Deer Park," the protagonist reflects on the true nature of spirit, realizing that it revolves around making choices that are riskier rather than safer. He believes that genuine fulfillment comes from embracing peril and challenge instead of merely seeking comfort or improvement in one's situation.
This perspective leads him to critique the values of the world around him, which prioritizes caution and moral behavior. He perceives this mindset as a barrier to true richness in life, resulting in a society that is constrained and limited, equating morality with safety rather than courage and authenticity.
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