Attention Quote by Don DeLillo
“Only a catastrophe gets our attention. We want them, we depend on them. As long as they happen somewhere else.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: White Noise, 1985
Catastrophes dominate attention, while everyday dependencies persist elsewhere, highlighting societal desensitization.
In simple terms: Disasters draw focus, routine fades.
Key Takeaway
Recognize everyday importance.
Themes
media
attention
society
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
literary
observational
When to use this quote
- news cycles
- personal relationships
- workplace dynamics
- public policy
Key Concepts
distraction
dependence
catastrophe
Questions to Reflect On
- How does media shape our perception of risk?
- What can restore balance to everyday awareness?
A Different Perspective
Constant crisis focus can obscure daily needs.
![“Because we're suffering from brain fade. We need an occasional catastrophe to break up the incessant bombardment of information." [...] "The flow is constant," Alfonse said. "Words, pictures, numbers, facts, graphics, statistics, specks, waves, particles, motes. Only a catastrophe gets our…” quote by Don DeLillo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/78d/don-delillo-294_somewhere-else_because-we-re-suffering-from-brain-fade_1844282.jpg)
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
