Certain Quote by John Irving
“In our hearts... there must abide some pity for those people who have always felt themselves to be separate from even their most familiar surroundings, those people who either are foreigners or who suffer a singular point of view that makes them feel as if they’re foreigners - even in their native lands. In our hearts... there also abides a certain suspicion that such people need to feel set apart from their society. But people who initiate loneliness are no less lonely than those who are suddenly surprised by loneliness, nor are they undeserving of our pity.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The World According to Garp, 1978
Empathy for outsiders is needed, yet we also suspect they are different; both loneliness and pity are complex.
In simple terms: Feel for those who seem foreign, even at home.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate empathy without othering.
Themes
empathy
loneliness
otherness
identity
Mood
thoughtful
compassionate
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- immigrant support
- mental health outreach
- community building
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
social psychology
inclusion
human connection
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you truly support those who feel isolated?
- What actions foster genuine inclusion?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on pity can patronize rather than empower.
![“JUST BECAUSE A BUNCH OF ATHEISTS ARE BETTER WRITERS THAN THE GUYS WHO WROTE THE BIBLE DOESN'T NECESSARILY MAKE THEM RIGHT!" [Owen Meany] said crossly. "LOOK AT THOSE WEIRDO TV MIRACLE-WORKERS--THEY'RE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IN MAGIC! BUT THE REAL MIRACLES AREN'T ANYTHING YOU CAN…” quote by John Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70e/john-irving-337_atheists_just-because-a-bunch-of-atheists-are-bet_31804.jpg)
