Books Quote by Elizabeth Strout
“I would also hope that readers receive a larger understanding, or a different understanding, of what it means to be human, than they might have had before. We suffer from being quick to judge, quick to make excuses for ourselves and others, and I would like the reader to feel that we are all, more or less, in a similar state as we love and disappoint one another, and that we try, most of us, as best we can, and that to fail and succeed is what we do.”
About This Quote
Source Book: My Name Is Lucy Barton, Elizabeth Strout, 2016
The author hopes readers gain deeper empathy and recognize shared human flaws, moving beyond quick judgment and excuses.
In simple terms: Seek deeper empathy and recognize shared human flaws.
Key Takeaway
Embrace empathy and self‑awareness.
Themes
empathy
human nature
judgment
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- reading groups
- therapy sessions
- diversity training
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
psychology
social cognition
literary insight
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice non‑judgment in daily interactions?
- What does it mean to be human to you?
A Different Perspective
Readers may resist confronting their own biases.
