His worldview seemed to be that humans as a species are extremely violent and capable of the most inhumane acts and we’re hanging on by a thread. Some of his writing often covered what just a slight altering of our societal moral compass might look like.

Probably my favorite author of all time, him or maybe Delilo.

@JKCalhoun > in my world-view most humans want to be kind.

These two views aren't necessarily in conflict. Individuals can overwhelmingly want to be kind but still be in a system where society pushes them to behave to the contrary.

> The old man shook his head doubtfully, paying the band of his cap through his fingers. I'm satisfied they caint get no worse, he said.

> But there are no absolutes in human misery and things can always get worse, only Suttree didn't say so.