In Jeannette Walls' memoir, "The Glass Castle," the author emphasizes the importance of mindset and perspective using the metaphor of a horse race. She suggests that if you adopt a passive, conformist attitude akin to that of a sheep, you will fail to succeed in competitive environments. The metaphor serves to highlight the necessity of an active, determined approach to achieve one's goals.

Walls encourages readers to embrace a mindset that is bold and courageous, akin to that of a horse in a race. By recognizing the need to think differently and take calculated risks, individuals can position themselves for success rather than remaining stagnant or complacent. This philosophy underlines the central themes of resilience and self-determination in her story.