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Abstract Quote by Ben H. Winters

“It is really something, the extent to which we allow ourselves to live without thinking of things that we know, in the abstract, are bad, and are going on right now, somewhere far away. We think, "Well, what are you gonna do?" In a way, that little instinct, that "What are you gonna do?" is the…” quote by Ben H. Winters
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“It is really something, the extent to which we allow ourselves to live without thinking of things that we know, in the abstract, are bad, and are going on right now, somewhere far away. We think, "Well, what are you gonna do?" In a way, that little instinct, that "What are you gonna do?" is the most dangerous thing in the world.”

Ben H. Winters

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t with Her Mind by Jackson Ford, 2020

We often ignore distant suffering, rationalizing inaction, which makes our complacency dangerous.

In simple terms: Ignoring far‑away problems is risky.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and act on distant injustices.

Themes

complicity awareness morality

Mood

concerned reflective

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • policy making
  • community outreach
  • education campaigns

Key Concepts

ethical responsibility psychology of denial

Questions to Reflect On

  • What distant issue could you address today?
  • How does personal discomfort affect moral choices?
A Different Perspective

It can be hard to know how to help effectively from afar.

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