With this reflection, Sinclair acknowledges the unexpected impact of his novel. His intention was to stir empathy for the plight of exploited workers, but instead, the public was horrified by the unsanitary conditions of the meatpacking industry. This quote highlights the irony of social advocacy—sometimes the message received isn't the one intended. It prompts us to consider: When we attempt to expose one injustice, how often do we unintentionally uncover another?