Autism Quote by Corinne Duyvis
““Every engineer, doctor, and farmer on this ship has relatives on the waiting list, too, and those relatives won’t be drug addicts. Mom’s right: no one would pick her from a waiting list. No one would’ve picked me, either. Usefulness or death can’t be her only options. If being picked from the waiting list isn’t feasible, then the one choice left is to smuggle her in. The back of my mind keeps whispering about the risk, about She’d only be a drain, but I shut it up. There’s a difference between leaving Mom and leaving Mom to die. “I’m glad you agree,” Iris says. “I know it’s not easy.” That’s what I hate. She’s right. It’s not. I still don’t want to break the rules, even if it’s to help Mom. But people on TV never abandon their family; they risk their own lives. That’s what you’re supposed to do. On TV, people just never feel this twisted about it. “Four this afternoon,” I say. “Let’s talk.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Waiting List, 2023
A protagonist wrestles with moral conflict, weighing personal loyalty against societal rules and the fear of being a burden.
In simple terms: Choosing between breaking rules to help family or following the law.
Key Takeaway
Consider the cost of loyalty versus legal duty.
Themes
morality
family
law
risk
responsibility
Mood
conflicted
tense
reflective
Type
narrative
ethical
dramatic
When to use this quote
- hospital triage decisions
- family emergencies
- immigration smuggling
- ethical whistleblowing
Key Concepts
ethical dilemma
personal sacrifice
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you risk for a loved one?
- When does duty to family override civic duty?
A Different Perspective
Legal consequences and personal guilt may outweigh the intended rescue.
