Afraid Quote by Dave Eggers
““If a boy became sick he walked alone; the others were afraid to catch what he had, and did not want to know him too well for he would surely die soon. We did not want his voice in our heads.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Hologram for the King, Dave Eggers, 2012
Isolation and fear of contagion cause people to shun the sick, ignoring their humanity.
In simple terms: People avoid the ill out of fear, losing compassion.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate empathy toward the vulnerable.
Themes
isolation
fear
compassion
Mood
sad
reflective
Type
ethical
social
When to use this quote
- pandemic response
- school bullying
- workplace illness
- family caregiving
Key Concepts
social stigma
humanity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance self‑protection with caring for the sick?
- What practices foster compassion in crises?
A Different Perspective
Fear can be mitigated by accurate information and supportive leadership.
