In "Inherent Vice" by Thomas Pynchon, a character expresses skepticism about the nature of trust and the concept of good people. The speaker doubts the integrity of individuals, suggesting that even those who appear virtuous are often involved in deceitful practices, such as buying and selling trust. This suspicion leads to the conclusion that relying on anyone is a gamble, regardless of their outward appearance or reputation.

The character's cynical perspective reflects a broader commentary on human relationships and the complexities of morality. This leads to a resignation that, in the end, trusting either good or bad individuals yields similar risks, underscoring the theme of uncertainty in personal connections and the reliability of others.