The spirit of justice, of physical honor was almost unknown to them, but they were loud in proclaiming the letter. Each of them lived in a fear of discovery; each of them who was able built up his own defenses of swagger, pretense, and loud assertion - the great masculine flower of gentleness, courage and honor died in a foul tangle. The great clan of go-getter was emergent...big in voice, violent in threat, withered and pale at heart - the "He-men" were on the rails.
- Thomas Wolfe, Look Homeward, Angel, 1929
Is there an echo in here?
Endless cycles, sadly.
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