Asked Quote by Jonathan Safran Foer
““He asked what was wrong. "It's just that why would you have one for him and not one for my dad?" "What do you mean!" "It isn't fair." "What isn't fair!" "My dad was good. Mohammed Atta was evil." "So!" "So my dad deserves to be in there." "What makes you think it's good to be in here!" "Because it means you're biographically significant." "And why is that good!" "I want to be significant." "Nine out of ten significant people have to do with money or war!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, 2005
A child wrestles with fairness and the desire for significance, confronting the moral weight of death and fame.
In simple terms: A child feels unfairness and wants to be important.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that significance can arise from empathy, not just fame.
Themes
fairness
family
identity
mortality
significance
Mood
conflicted
thoughtful
hopeful
Type
narrative
philosophical
emotional
When to use this quote
- grieving a loved one
- discussing legacy
- teaching empathy
- examining media narratives
Key Concepts
ethical dilemma
psychology
social status
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we define true significance?
- What role does empathy play in judging worth?
A Different Perspective
The focus on fame may overlook everyday acts of kindness.
![“I'm probably the most uncool guy that [my daughters] know-as far as they are concerned anyway-'cause I'm Dad. I mean dads just aren't cool-especially when I dance! They don't want me to dance.” quote by Tim McGraw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e67/tim-mcgraw-3313_causes_i-m-probably-the-most-uncool-guy-that-my_3181787.jpg)
