Originally Posted by SmokeAndMirrors

Because the car crash scene is meant to teach you that for as calculating and controlling we can be as humans that nature, us included within that nature, has a percentage of unpredictable chaos to it that is beyond our control.

The bank robbery scene with Raymond K Hessel is important because the punchline isn't what Tyler says to Raymond K Hessel, it's what he says to the Narrator after Hessel runs off. The fear of Death is what gives characteristic depth to life any actual, real meaning. Without fear of Death, you have fear of the unknown, fear of the unpredictable chaos, a fear that is chilling, but unfamiliar to the senses. However, a fear of Death is immediately known to the senses, and that is what creates the dynamic differences between how people react to the two different kinds of fear.

Society has lost both of these foundations. That is why everyone is shallow, has ulterior motives, and little to no cognitive awareness.

At the main plot twist of the story, once the Narrator discovers his predicament, then and only then is he suddenly for a split second afraid of himself. Yet when he is unaware, his is not afraid of the unknown, only of Death, because that is all his senses know at the time. A sort of cerebral transition seems to happen that makes him aware of what he was previously unaware of and that's when you can feel the weight of it as it all twists and comes together.

Originally Posted by mord

Actually, I like you a lot, Nea. That's why I treat you like ****. It's the MB way.