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It's almost unbelievable when you think of it, how they…

“It's almost unbelievable when you think of it, how they live there in all that ice and sand and mountainous wilderness. Look at it,' he says. 'Huge barren deserts, huge oceans. How do they endure all those terrible things? The floods alone. The earthquakes alone make it crazy to live there. Look…” quote by Don DeLillo
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““It's almost unbelievable when you think of it, how they live there in all that ice and sand and mountainous wilderness. Look at it,' he says. 'Huge barren deserts, huge oceans. How do they endure all those terrible things? The floods alone. The earthquakes alone make it crazy to live there. Look at those fault systems. They're so big, there's so many of them. The volcanic eruptions alone. What could be more frightening than a volcanic eruption? How do they endure avalanches, year after year, with numbing regularity? It's hard to believe people live there. The floods alone. You can see whole huge discolored areas, all flooded out, washed out. How do they survive, where do they go? Look at the cloud buildups. Look at that swirling storm center. What about the people who live in the path of a storm like that? It must be packing incredible winds. The lightning alone. People exposed on beaches, near trees and telephone poles. Look at the cities with their spangled lights spread in all directions. Try to imagine the crime and violence. Look at the smoke pall hanging low. What does that mean in terms of respiratory disorders? It's crazy. Who would live there? The deserts, how they encroach. Every year they claim more and more arable land. How enormous those snowfields are. Look at the massive storm fronts over the ocean. There are ships down there, small craft, some of them. Try to imagine the waves, the rocking. The hurricanes alone. The tidal waves. Look at those coastal communities exposed to tidal waves. What could be more frightening than a tidal wave? But they live there, they stay there. Where could they go?””

Don DeLillo

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage marvels at humanity’s resilience in extreme, hazardous environments, questioning how people survive relentless natural disasters and harsh climates.

In simple terms: People can endure harsh places despite many dangers.

Key Takeaway

Recognize human adaptability.

Themes

resilience environment survival humanity nature

Mood

awe concern curiosity

Type

observational descriptive

When to use this quote

  • disaster preparedness
  • urban development
  • environmental policy
  • community health
  • climate adaptation

Key Concepts

geology climatology psychology urban planning

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motivates people to remain in hazardous regions?
  • How can societies better support these communities?
A Different Perspective

The focus on danger may overlook cultural, economic, and social reasons people choose to stay.

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