These laws came into being ages ago, and when people begin to disobey them more frequently, it shows a great decline in moral values. As a sign of further decadence, rampant dishonesty is effortlessly shown by Myrtle, Jordan, and Tom. According to Nick Carraway, "[Jordan Baker] was incurably dishonest. She wasn't able to endure being at a disadvantage (Fitzgerald 63)." Jordan's frequent dishonesty shows that she will lie to protect or assist herself, and that she possesses very little regard for the truth, or fairness toward others. Dishonesty and selfishness frequently go hand-in-hand, since people most commonly lie to advance or protect themselves. Lying not only promotes one's self, but it also deceives and takes advantage of others. Long after George Wilson kills Gatsby, Tom admits to telling Wilson that Gatsby killed his wife (Fitzgerald 186-188). For the sole purpose of saving himself and his wife, Tom tells a lie that ultimately gets Gatsby killed. Tom becomes so self-centered and dishonest that he effortlessly compromises the life of another to protect his own. The mistreatment of others for personal advancement shows a complete disregard for one's fellow man.
Also in the novel, frequent exploitation to gain one's own needs or desires serves as a popular path to happiness. For instance, manipulative partygoers use Gatsby for his cars and alcohol. The willingness to use a person for one's own purposes shows a deep interest in material quests, rather than friendship. This quest for material items reigns supreme over any type of possible compassion or regard for others. This ultimately shows a concern for one's own advancement that far succeeds any concern for the well-being of others. The poor turnout at Gatsby's funeral represents one of the final, most disturbing acts of disregard in the novel (Maurer 79). When Gatsby dies, only Nick, one of Gatsby's guests, a few of his servants, and Gatsby's father attend the funeral (Fitzgerald 182-183).