Perry said, “Am I sorry? If that’s what you mean—I’m not…
““Perry said, “Am I sorry? If that’s what you mean—I’m not. I don’t feel anything about it. I wish I did. But nothing about it bothers me a bit. Half an hour after it happened, Dick was making jokes and I was laughing at them. Maybe we’re not human. I’m human enough to feel sorry for myself. Sorry I can’t walk out of here when you walk out. But that’s all.” Cullivan could scarcely credit so detached an attitude; Perry was confused, mistaken, it was not possible for any man to be that devoid of conscience or compassion. Perry said, “Why? Soldiers don’t lose much sleep. They murder, and get medals for doing it. The good people of Kansas want to murder me—and some hangman will be glad to get the work. It’s easy to kill—a lot easier than passing a bad check. Just remember: I only knew the Clutters maybe an hour. If I’d really known them, I guess I’d feel different. I don’t think I could live with myself. But the way it was, it was like picking off targets in a shooting gallery.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A character expresses emotional numbness and moral detachment, questioning humanity and conscience amidst violence.
In simple terms: A man feels no guilt or sorrow about violent acts.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the danger of emotional disengagement.
Themes
morality
humanity
psychology
Mood
detached
reflective
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- military service
- psychological counseling
- ethical training
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
detachment
conscience
war trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- Can numbness protect or harm a person?
- How does society address moral disengagement?
A Different Perspective
Such detachment can lead to moral injury and loss of empathy.