Cat's Cradle Philosophy—Humanism Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

[Julian Castle] had had a dazzling talent for spending millions without increasing mankind's stores of anything but chagrin. (40.5)

Julian Castle used to enjoy a lifestyle of the rich, famous, and not-so-humanist. Basically he was the Donald Trump of his day. But when we finally meet him in the novel, he's had a change of philosophy.

Quote #5

"And you think things will be better in San Lorenzo?"

"I know damn well they will be. The people down there are poor enough and scared enough and ignorant enough to have some common sense!" (42.7-8)

This one might step on some toes. Mr. Crosby's character clearly shows that humanism and capitalism do not go hand in hand. As far the novel is concerned, at least. Whether or not that's the case in the real world is a matter we'll leave up to you.

Quote #6

"It was an iron chair a man had been roasted alive in," said Crosby. "He was roasted for murdering his son."

"Only, after they roasted him," Hazel recalled blandly, "they found out he hadn't murdered his son after all." (43.34-35)

Better tuck those feet in. (So as not to get your feet stepped on.) Capital punishment and humanism, eh, not exactly on good terms in the novel. Again, as far as the real world is concerned, you'll have to make up your own mind.