Final answer:
Nick fears missing the understanding that fundamental decencies are unequally distributed and maintains hope in reserving judgment to approach others empathetically, despite societal inequalities. This connects to themes of social injustice and the struggle for recognition and equality, particularly in the context of African American experiences as depicted in the provided quotes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nick Carraway, the character from F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby,' expresses his fear of missing the recognition that fundamental decencies are unequally distributed at birth. He is aware that not everyone starts with the same moral codex or social opportunities. Maintaining a nonjudgmental attitude for him is a matter of 'infinite hope' because it is an aspiration to see the good in others despite their backgrounds or circumstances, hoping that others will surprise him positively. This sense of hope paradoxically connects to the understanding that his idealism might be continuously challenged by the inequities and prejudices of the world around him.
The quotes provided touch on themes of justice, social inequality, and the human conditions of hope and despair. It highlights the struggles faced by some individuals and racial groups, particularly African Americans, in overcoming systemic barriers and social prejudices that are deeply embedded in society. Reflecting on these themes, we grasp that Nick's fear and his hope lie in the desire to empathize with and understand others, despite the biased 'parceling out' of society's moral endowments.