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A librarian had found the baby sitting abandoned on the…

“A librarian had found the baby sitting abandoned on the sheer edge of the world; the librarians kept her. That proved shrewd. Nepenthe had drooled on words, talked at them, and tried to eat them until she learned to take them into her eyes instead of her mouth.” quote by Patricia A. McKillip
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““A librarian had found the baby sitting abandoned on the sheer edge of the world; the librarians kept her. That proved shrewd. Nepenthe had drooled on words, talked at them, and tried to eat them until she learned to take them into her eyes instead of her mouth.””

Patricia A. McKillip

About This Quote

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

A child abandoned on a dangerous brink is rescued by librarians, showing compassion can be a shrewd survival strategy.

In simple terms: Librarians saved an abandoned baby, proving kindness can be clever.

Key Takeaway

Compassion can be a strategic advantage.

Themes

compassion survival wisdom

Mood

hopeful reflective

Type

narrative inspirational

When to use this quote

  • rescue missions
  • social work
  • education
  • community care

Key Concepts

ethical choice humanity protective instinct

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance empathy with self‑preservation?
  • When does helping become self‑sacrifice?
A Different Perspective

Kindness may not always guarantee safety; it can expose caretakers to risk.

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