Drone Quote by Iain M. Banks
““The drone told him one in ten of the people he passed on the street would be treated for mental illness at some point in their lives. The figure was higher for males than for apices, and higher for females than either. The same applied to the rates of suicide, which was illegal. Flere-Imsaho directed him to a hospital. It was typical, the drone said. Like the whole area, it was about average for the greater city. The hospital was run by a charity, and many of the people working there were unpaid. The drone told him everybody would assume he was a disciple there to see one of his flock, but anyway the staff were too busy to stop and quiz everybody they saw in the place. Gurgeh walked through the hospital in a daze.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Player of Games, Iain M. Banks, 1988
A dystopian scene where a drone reports statistical mental health and suicide rates, highlighting societal neglect and the dehumanizing bureaucracy of charity-run institutions.
In simple terms: Society often treats mental illness statistically, ignoring individual suffering.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address systemic indifference to mental health.
Themes
mental health
bureaucracy
societal neglect
statistics
dystopia
Mood
somber
critical
Type
literary
social commentary
When to use this quote
- healthcare policy
- social services
- urban life
- ethical decision‑making
- personal alienation
Key Concepts
human dignity
institutional critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do institutions have toward mental health?
- How does statistical reporting affect empathy?
A Different Perspective
The drone’s data may oversimplify complex human experiences.
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