"Americans have been conditioned to respect newness, whatever it costs them"

This quote by John Updike speaks to the concept that Americans have been taught to value newness and the latest patterns, regardless of the cost. This could describe the idea that Americans are willing to pay more for the most recent variation of a product, even if the older version is just as good. It could likewise refer to the idea that Americans are willing to accept new ideas and patterns, even if they do not always agree with them. This could be seen in the way that Americans are willing to accept brand-new innovations, even if they don't comprehend them. Ultimately, this quote speaks to the idea that Americans have been conditioned to value newness, despite the expense.