Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s "Cat's Cradle" cleverly examines the complexities of identity and societal roles. Through the line, "What makes you think a writer isn't a drug salesman?" the author challenges readers to reconsider conventional distinctions between professions. This suggests that all roles, including that of a writer, can involve manipulation, persuasion, and influence, akin to that of a drug salesman.
This quote encourages a reflection on the moral implications of what it means to communicate and the potential for various professions to overlap in intent and impact. It invites the audience to question the integrity and motives behind creative expression and the narratives we accept in society. This thought-provoking observation aligns with the book's broader themes of science, religion, and the human condition.