In "The Ghost Brigades" by John Scalzi, the character Szilard comments on someone's behavior by stating that the individual treats everyone poorly, regardless of their status. This indicates a level of awareness about his actions, which he believes justifies them in some way. Szilard's observation highlights a troubling perspective: that being an equal-opportunity offender somehow mitigates the negativity of the actions.

This portrayal suggests a complex interplay between self-awareness and accountability. While the character recognizes his flaws, he fails to acknowledge the harm caused by his behavior. This raises questions about social interactions and the moral implications of treating everyone with the same disdain, ultimately reflecting a critique of unrepentant attitudes in society.