Old elephants limp off to the hills to die; old Americans go out to the highway and drive themselves to death with huge cars.

Summary

This quote juxtaposes the natural behavior of aging elephants, who retreat to the hills to pass away peacefully, with a peculiar characteristic of aging Americans. It suggests that instead of gracefully accepting the passage of time, many elderly Americans engage in reckless behavior, symbolized by driving huge cars, which ultimately leads to their demise. The quote highlights the contrast between the tranquility of nature and the frenzied consumer-driven culture, subtly critiquing the impulsiveness and excesses of American lifestyle.

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