Close to death Quote by Herman Koch
““Is it life threatening?” they asked. They said it slightly sotto voce, but you could hear the thirst for sensation right through it: when people get a chance to come close to death without having it touch them personally, they never miss the opportunity.””
About This Quote
Source nov:The Dinner, Herman Koch, 2009
People are drawn to danger, seeking thrills even when it’s not directly affecting them.
In simple terms: People crave risky experiences even when safe.
Recognize and question your thrill‑seeking instincts.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- media consumption
- extreme sports
- political scandals
- viral trends
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we seek vicarious danger?
- What are the costs of this attraction?
Such fascination can desensitize empathy.