America Quote by William S. Burroughs
““All over America, people were pulling credentials out of their pockets and sticking them under someone else's nose to prove they had been somewhere or done something. And I thought someday everyone in America will suddenly jump up and say, 'I don't take any shit!' and start pushing and cursing and clawing at the man next to him.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Naked Lunch, 1959
The quote satirically describes people flaunting credentials to prove status, then imagines a future where everyone rebels against authority.
In simple terms: People brag about credentials, but may rebel against oppression.
Key Takeaway
Question the value of status symbols.
Themes
social critique
rebellion
authority
Mood
cynical
provocative
Type
satirical
observational
When to use this quote
- workplace dynamics
- political protests
- online identity verification
Key Concepts
status symbols
social conformity
rebellion
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives the need for status symbols?
- How can societies balance respect and equality?
A Different Perspective
Rebellion may lead to chaos without constructive alternatives.
![“[Enoch Root] hadn't really known what to expect of America. But people here seem to do things—hangings included—with a blunt, blank efficiency that's admirable and disappointing at the same time. Like jumping fish, they go about difficult matters with bloodless ease. As if they were all born…” quote by Neal Stephenson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7ef/neal-stephenson-362_americans_enoch-root-hadn-t-really-known-what-to-e_404851.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
