The more things you own, the more things you need to keep you comfortable.
In "The Naked and the Dead," Norman Mailer explores the complex relationship between material possessions and personal comfort. He suggests that an accumulation of belongings can lead to a heightened sense of need, where individuals tie their comfort to the items they own. This cycle can create a dependency on material goods, which may ultimately detract from genuine well-being.
The quote reflects a critical observation about how society often equates comfort with ownership. As people amass more possessions, they may inadvertently complicate their lives, as maintaining and managing these items becomes a burden. Mailer's insights encourage readers to consider the consequences of consumerism and the true sources of comfort in life.