In the quote from Norman Mailer's book "In the Belly of the Beast: Letters From Prison," he reflects on society's complicity in allowing the deterioration of aesthetic and moral standards. He suggests that people have become complacent, accepting a world that grows increasingly unappealing and devoid of taste. This surrender to negativity contributes to a culture saturated with fear and despair.

Mailer critiques the collective mindset that prioritizes apathy over engagement, leading to a deterioration in both our environment and values. By recognizing and confronting these issues, individuals can begin to reclaim a sense of beauty and purpose in their lives and surroundings, rather than succumbing to a culture of terror and ugliness.