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Can't it be stopped?" said Lina. She shifted around under…

“Can't it be stopped?" said Lina. She shifted around under her blanket, trying to find a place to sit where rocks weren't digging into her. Maybe it can be stopped at the beginning," Maddy said. "If someone sees what's happening and is brave enough to reverse the direction." Reverse the direction?"…” quote by Jeanne DuPrau
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““Can't it be stopped?" said Lina. She shifted around under her blanket, trying to find a place to sit where rocks weren't digging into her. Maybe it can be stopped at the beginning," Maddy said. "If someone sees what's happening and is brave enough to reverse the direction." Reverse the direction?" Yes, turn it around." How would you do that?" You'd do something good," said Maddy. "Or at least you'd keep yourself from doing something bad." But how could you?" said Lina. "When people have been mean to you, why would you want to be good to them?" You wouldn't want to," said Maddy. "That's what makes it hard. you do it anyway. Being good is hard. Much harder than being bad.””

Jeanne DuPrau

About This Quote

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

Goodness is challenging when faced with hostility, yet choosing kindness despite mistreatment defines moral strength.

In simple terms: Being good is hard, especially when treated poorly.

Key Takeaway

Choose kindness even when it's tough.

Themes

morality resilience compassion

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • conflict resolution
  • personal relationships
  • bullying incidents
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

ethical dilemma personal growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motivates you to stay kind under pressure?
  • How can you protect yourself while acting ethically?
A Different Perspective

Goodness may be exploited if not balanced with self‑care.

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