casy tells tom about a prisoner whose view of history is that "ever' time they's a little step fo'ward, she may slip back a little but she never slips clear back.... they wasn't no waste". do you agree?

Casey was a pretty smart guy, a prophet of sorts. He evolves to have a keen understanding of the human condition in all its brokenness and sorrow. Still he sees light in the tenacity of the human spirit as well. History trudges along with major and minor setbacks along the way. As long as there is progress, no matter how small, the world has a better chance. If man can learn from his mistakes, nothing is wasted. I would say that's pretty profound!