The protagonist is contemplating a post-Army career with a labor union, which he views as a means to achieve economic fairness. His uncle, Alex, holds a pessimistic view on the matter, reflecting on the challenges of fighting against ignorance. Uncle Alex's response suggests a mix of concern and resignation toward the idea, indicating that even intelligent discussions might not change the naivety of such aspirations.
The quote highlights a philosophical perspective on the futility of battling human shortcomings, with references to Schiller and Nietzsche underscoring the notion that even divine forces struggle against the flaws of humanity. The conversation with Hapgood seems to offer a glimmer of hope for intellectual engagement amidst the absurdity of the protagonist's ambitions.