Left handed Quote by Bernhard Schlink
““Imagine someone is racing intentionally towards his own destruction and you can save him - do you go ahead and save him? Imagine there's an operation, and the patient is a drug user and the drugs are incompatible with the anesthetic, but the patient is ashamed of being an addict and does not want to tell the anesthesiologist - do you talk to the anesthesiologist? Imagine a trial and a defendant who will be convicted if he doesn't admit to being left handed - do you tell the judge what's going on? Imagine he's gay, and could not have committed the crime because he's gay, but is ashamed of being gay. It isn't a question of whether the defendant should be ashamed of being left-handed or gay --- just imagine that he is””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Reader, Bernhard Schlink, 1995
The passage asks us to consider moral dilemmas where personal secrets, identity, and self‑destruction intersect with professional responsibility and justice.
In simple terms: It explores how hidden aspects of identity affect ethical choices.
Key Takeaway
Balance honesty with compassion.
Themes
ethics
identity
responsibility
Mood
conflicted
thoughtful
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- medical practice
- legal defense
- personal relationships
- addiction treatment
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
conflict of duty
social stigma
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we protect vulnerable individuals while respecting their privacy?
- When should personal bias influence professional decisions?
A Different Perspective
The scenario may oversimplify complex legal and medical protocols that limit personal discretion.
![“I have recall. I don't know why or how. I had a guy once who said he played against me in novice [league, for kids under nine], for the Detroit Lasers. And I said, "Oh yeah, we beat you in the tournament, 8-1 and I think I scored seven goals, and the goalie was left-handed." And he was, "Oh my…” quote by Wayne Gretzky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/40b/wayne-gretzky-4019_beats_i-have-recall-i-don-t-know-why-or-how-i_162222.jpg)
