How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph.Page)
Quote #10
Yousef had been lighthearted during his questions, but there was something very serious and sad under his smile, and Alan knew what it was. It was the knowledge that there would be no fighting, and there would be no struggle, no stand taken, and that the two of them, because they were not lacking materially, because despite injustices in their countries they were the recipients of preposterous bounty, would likely do nothing. (XXVIII.130.276)
Eggers' book is struck through with desperation created by a Universe (and the people in it) just not caring. Yousef and his friend Salem comment on the emptiness that most young Saudis feel because there's a lack of opportunity for them. They have no purpose in life, and no prospect of a purpose. But worse than that, there's a kind of deadness in them that paralyzes them. Alan feels that same deadness—and none of them really have the internal combustion to break through it all.