Ted was the guy who wanted you to go nowhere and hate every second of it, because that's what he had done. Like most drones in our society, Ted never did what he really loved.
-- Flynn (chapter 3)

Importance: Flynn expresses his distaste for Ted Daniels, the assistant manager of Muldoon's. Flynn believes Ted's life is miserable because he does not aspire to anything greater than managing a supermarket, or if he does, he does not pursue those aspirations. This is Flynn's worst nightmare—becoming a "drone" who does nothing interesting with his life.

...when I want something, truly want something that my life depends on—which is purpose and happiness—I will stop at nothing to attain it. It's like breathing. So you must ask yourself: What is your air? What is the thing you literally will fight for to survive?"
-- Flynn (chapter 3)

Importance: After establishing that Ted is one of society's drones, Flynn elaborates to...