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Good thing Quote by Brandon Sanderson

“Lirin sighed, rounding the steps, sitting down beside his son. “Kal, this happens. It’s unfortunate, but you couldn’t have done more. That little body lost blood too quickly.” Kal didn’t reply. “You have to learn when to care, son,” Lirin said softly. “And when to let go. You’ll see. I had similar…” quote by Brandon Sanderson
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““Lirin sighed, rounding the steps, sitting down beside his son. “Kal, this happens. It’s unfortunate, but you couldn’t have done more. That little body lost blood too quickly.” Kal didn’t reply. “You have to learn when to care, son,” Lirin said softly. “And when to let go. You’ll see. I had similar problems when I was younger. You’ll grow calluses.” And this is a good thing? Kal thought, another tear trickling down his cheek. You have to learn when to care … and when to let go. … In the distance, Harl continued to wail.””

Brandon Sanderson

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Way of Kings, Brandon Sanderson, 2010

A father teaches his son the balance between caring deeply and knowing when to release, acknowledging pain and growth.

In simple terms: Learn when to care and when to let go.

Key Takeaway

Balance empathy with self‑preservation.

Themes

parenthood empathy growth grief

Mood

somber empathetic

Type

philosophical emotional

When to use this quote

  • family counseling
  • personal loss
  • mentorship

Key Concepts

attachment theory emotional intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you struggled to release?
  • How does caring too much hurt?
A Different Perspective

Letting go can feel like abandonment.

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