How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Part.Paragraph)
Quote #7
He used methods that were almost Marxist in nature, the kind of collectivization that would make Ayn Rand leap from her grave and join the ranks of the living dead. […] One thing those New Dealers did better than any generation in American history was find and harvest the right tools and talent. (6.1.3)
Things don't turn around in World War Z until the political system adopts a Musketeer's attitude of "All for one; one for all." The Ayn Rand attitude of "Me for me and you for you" doesn't really pan out when the undead come a-knocking. (Well unless you're the guy in the bio-dome.) Let's see Atlas try and shrug off the deadhead army.
Quote #8
Imagine if the world's citizens, or at least those charged with protecting those citizens, had known exactly what they were facing. Ignorance was the real enemy, and cold, hard facts were the weapons. (7.2.2)
Another critique of government is that in trying to maintain a status quo they keep important facts from its citizens. If a zombie swarm were about to bust through your front door, wouldn't you want to know?
Quote #9
No one was sure what the next day would bring, how far the calamity would spread, or who would be its next victim, and yet, no matter whom I spoke to or how terrified they sounded, each conversation would inevitably end with "But I'm sure the authorities will tell us what to do." (7.5.14)
World War Z doesn't let us off: it stresses that part of blame for any government's problems must also be laid at our feet. Sure, it's easy to blame the big, bad government when things turn south—but when you point one finger, you've got three pointing back at yourself.