That's the thing you learn about values: they're what people make up to justify what they did

That's the thing you learn about values: they're what people make up to justify what they did

In the world of Max Barry's novels, values play a significant role in shaping the actions and decisions of his characters. Barry often explores the idea that values are not inherent truths, but rather constructs that individuals create to justify their behavior. This concept is particularly evident in his novel "Company," where the characters navigate a cutthroat corporate environment where values are constantly being manipulated and distorted for personal gain.

In "Company," the protagonist, Jones, is a new employee at Zephyr Holdings, a powerful corporation where success is measured by one's ability to climb the corporate ladder at any cost. As Jones becomes more entrenched in the company culture, he quickly learns that values are not fixed principles but rather tools used to manipulate and control others. The executives at Zephyr Holdings preach values such as loyalty and teamwork, but in reality, these values are often used to exploit and deceive employees for the benefit of the company.

Throughout the novel, Barry challenges the notion that values are universal truths by showing how easily they can be twisted and distorted to serve one's own interests. The characters in "Company" constantly grapple with the tension between their personal values and the values imposed upon them by the company. They are forced to confront the reality that values are not always noble or virtuous, but rather a means to an end.

Barry's exploration of values in "Company" raises important questions about the nature of morality and ethics in a world driven by power and ambition. By exposing the ways in which values can be manipulated and exploited, Barry forces readers to confront the uncomfortable truth that values are often used as a justification for unethical behavior.