"Today's society will ignore almost any form of public behavior except getting in the express line with two extra items"
- Paul Sweeney
About this Quote
This quote by Paul Sweeney is a commentary on the state of modern-day society. It recommends that individuals are more likely to neglect small disobediences, such as talking on the phone in public or not picking up after their pet dog, than they are to take issue with somebody who has actually broken the guidelines of the express line. This is most likely because the express line is a sign of performance and order, and breaking the rules of the express line is seen as a direct offense of this order. The quote suggests that people are most likely to differ with someone who has actually broken the guidelines of the express line than they are with somebody who has broken other social standards. This could be because the express line is viewed as a symbol of modern society's emphasis on efficiency and order, and breaking the guidelines of the express line is seen as a direct offense of this order.
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"