Skip to content

Children Quote by Harlan Coben

“It is always us against them. That’s what all of life is. We fight wars for that reason. We make decisions every day to protect our own loved ones, even if it means hardships for others. You buy your boy a new pair of cleats for lacrosse. Maybe you could have used that money to save a starving…” quote by Harlan Coben
Download Open image
““It is always us against them. That’s what all of life is. We fight wars for that reason. We make decisions every day to protect our own loved ones, even if it means hardships for others. You buy your boy a new pair of cleats for lacrosse. Maybe you could have used that money to save a starving child in Africa. But no, you let that child starve. Us against them. We all do this.” “Tripp?””

Harlan Coben

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Woods, 2007

Human nature pits us against others, justifying personal choices over distant suffering.

In simple terms: People prioritize loved ones over strangers.

Key Takeaway

Balance self-interest with global empathy.

Themes

ethics selfishness conflict

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal finance
  • charity
  • family decisions
  • global crises

Key Concepts

moral dilemma human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities do we have to distant others?
  • How can we reconcile personal needs with global compassion?
A Different Perspective

Selfish choices can cause harm to others.

4.6 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Harlan Coben

Explore all 351 Harlan Coben quotes

More Children quotes

Browse all 62,396 Children quotes