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There is a thing that lives in us, eating our food…

“There is a thing that lives in us, eating our food, breathing our air, looking out through our eyes, and when it comes out to play nobody is immune; possessed, we turn murderously upon one another, thing-darkness in our eyes and real weapons in our hands, neighbour against thing-ridden neighbour…” quote by Salman Rushdie
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““There is a thing that lives in us, eating our food, breathing our air, looking out through our eyes, and when it comes out to play nobody is immune; possessed, we turn murderously upon one another, thing-darkness in our eyes and real weapons in our hands, neighbour against thing-ridden neighbour, thing-driven cousin against cousin, brother-thing against brother-thing, thing-child against thing-child.””

Salman Rushdie

About This Quote

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

Human nature can become violent when driven by fear and competition.

In simple terms: Fear and rivalry can turn people violent.

Key Takeaway

Address fear, foster empathy.

Themes

violence human nature conflict

Mood

somber critical

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • political unrest
  • community disputes
  • family feuds
  • online arguments

Key Concepts

psychology social dynamics aggression

Questions to Reflect On

  • What triggers aggression in your community?
  • How can empathy reduce hostility?
A Different Perspective

Not all conflict stems from fear; some is systemic.

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