Strange and predatory and truly dangerous, car thieves and muggers -- they seem to jeopardize all our cherished concepts, even our self-esteem, our property rights, our powers of love, our laws and pleasures. The only relationship we seem to have with them is scorn or bewilderment, but they belong somewhere on the dark prairies of a country that is in the throes of self-discovery.

Summary

This quote explores the perception and impact of car thieves and muggers on society. It suggests that these individuals, who are viewed as strange, predatory, and dangerous, not only threaten our physical safety but also challenge fundamental aspects of our identity and social order. Their actions force us to question our self-esteem, property rights, ability to love, and even the effectiveness of our laws. While we often respond to them with scorn or confusion, this quote argues that they are a product of a society going through a process of self-discovery, signifying a dark aspect within our collective existence.

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