“Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules.”
“Yes, sir. I know it is. I know it.”
Game, my ass. Some game. If you get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it’s a game, all right – I’ll admit that. But if you get on the other side, where there aren’t any hot-shots, then what’s a game about it? Nothing. No game.
– J. D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye. Chapter 2. Exchange between Holden and his history teacher Mr. Spencer who talks to him about playing the game of life by the rules. Both have cynical views about society and the world. Out loud and to his face Holden agrees with Mr. Spencer, but in his head he curses him. Holden feels isolated and looks upon the rich kids at his schools at “phonies.”