You see I want to be quite obstinate about insisting that we have no way of knowing-beyond that fundamental loyalty to the social code-what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what evil.
by Joan Didion
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In her book "Slouching Towards Bethlehem," Joan Didion expresses a deep skepticism about our ability to definitively determine moral truths. She argues that our understanding of right and wrong is largely dictated by the social norms and codes we adhere to, rather than any objective standard. This perspective highlights the complexities of morality and the influence of societal expectations on individual beliefs.

Didion's insistence on this uncertainty points to the subjective nature of ethical judgments. By challenging the conventional ideas of goodness and evil, she invites readers to reflect on the limitations of their moral frameworks, suggesting that what is deemed right or wrong is often shaped by cultural context rather than universal principles.

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January 29, 2025

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