Giorgio Agamin criticizes modern western society for not valuing potential. He highlights that institutions are organized in a way that overlooks the latent potential individuals possess. The public school system is criticized for focusing on standardized tests rather than nurturing each student's unique strengths and potential impact on society. Similarly, corporations prioritize productivity and profit over recognizing employees' potential to grow and innovate. In prisons, the emphasis is on punishment rather than facilitating the development of individuals who could positively contribute to society upon release. Agamin argues that modern society tends to squash potential rather than encouraging and fostering it.