I think Liberals, and certain countries (Tibet) and religions, do not live by this philosophy. However, it is still dominant in Conservative America, and certain other countries of the world. Personally, I think it is a defeatist philosophy, as it does not allow for the believer(s) to have a peaceful existence, but to be hypervigilent, oversensitive, damaged, and angry. I believe that Isaac, at some point, let go of this philosophy, when his father (who never lived by this philosophy) and he finally achieve a truce and peace, they live a much more enriching and relaxing life together. It's too bad that the protoganist did not learn to let this philosophy go, earlier in her life, and in the rearing of her son Isaac, as it caused both of them much turmoil. However, the protoganist had an extremely difficult life and this belief may have been the only one that kept her going, kept her living, even if it was a tortured existence.