Skip to content

I'm very hard-nosed and cold-blooded and I can walk past a…

“I'm very hard-nosed and cold-blooded and I can walk past a drowning man. If I have someplace else to go, well, tough s**t. I could do that. I can. Have. Sometimes, not because I was callous but had to do it.” quote by John Edgar Wideman
Download Open image
“I'm very hard-nosed and cold-blooded and I can walk past a drowning man. If I have someplace else to go, well, tough s**t. I could do that. I can. Have. Sometimes, not because I was callous but had to do it.”

John Edgar Wideman

About This Quote

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

A person may act cold and detached, prioritizing personal goals over helping others in crisis.

In simple terms: Choosing self-interest over compassion.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when self-preservation harms others.

Themes

selfishness morality empathy

Mood

conflicted reflective

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • workplace decisions
  • emergency situations
  • personal relationships
  • career advancement

Key Concepts

ethical dilemmas human behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you prioritized self‑interest over helping someone?
  • What would change if you chose compassion?
A Different Perspective

May ignore long‑term consequences of neglecting others.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Edgar Wideman

Explore all 92 John Edgar Wideman quotes

More Cold blooded quotes

Browse all 56 Cold blooded quotes