Agreement Quote by Don DeLillo
“Eye contact was a delicate matter. A quarter second of a shared glance was a violation of agreements that made the city operational.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: White Noise, Don DeLillo, 1985
Brief exchange highlights how even minimal eye contact can breach social contracts in a tightly regulated society.
In simple terms: A quick glance can be seen as a serious breach of rules.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how small actions affect communal trust.
Themes
surveillance
social contracts
privacy
communication
Mood
tense
observant
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- navigating crowded environments
- maintaining personal boundaries
- understanding cultural etiquette
Key Concepts
social norms
trust
public space
Questions to Reflect On
- What unspoken rules govern personal space where you live?
- How does surveillance shape everyday interactions?
A Different Perspective
The statement may overgeneralize the significance of eye contact across cultures.
