In Hunter S. Thompson's letter from 1958, he expresses a profound concern for the intellectual state of America, suggesting that the collective mindset is deteriorating. He describes this decline as a "fatal dry rot," implying that the foundations of thought and reason are crumbling, which could lead to chaos and irrational behavior among the populace. This observation reflects a sense of urgency regarding the consequences of this mental decline.

Thompson's warning suggests that if the current trajectory continues, society could become trapped in a cycle of fear and confusion that renders people powerless. His use of vivid imagery emphasizes the danger of unaddressed issues within the national psyche, hinting that without intervention, such deterioration could manifest in destructive ways. It serves as a call to recognize and address the underlying problems that plague society.