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Fitness Quote by Josip Novakovich

“Late at night, my friend Boris and I stood by the tracks and the train passed with orange lights in all its windows but not a single passenger head to be seen. Where are the passengers? I asked. The train is empty? Oh, they are there, you just don’t see them. They’re on the floor. There used to be…” quote by Josip Novakovich
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““Late at night, my friend Boris and I stood by the tracks and the train passed with orange lights in all its windows but not a single passenger head to be seen. Where are the passengers? I asked. The train is empty? Oh, they are there, you just don’t see them. They’re on the floor. There used to be snipers all along the tracks and so there are stretches of the rails where people all lie down on the floor so they won’t be shot.””

Josip Novakovich

About This Quote

Source Short story: “The Train” by Josip Novakovich, 1995

The quote uses a surreal train scene to illustrate hidden suffering and the unseen victims of violence.

In simple terms: People can be present but invisible due to trauma.

Key Takeaway

Recognize hidden pain in others.

Themes

violence invisibility humanity

Mood

somber reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • war zones
  • refugee camps
  • mental health counseling
  • social work

Key Concepts

trauma surrealism empathy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we notice those who are suffering silently?
  • What responsibilities do we have to acknowledge invisible victims?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may oversimplify complex social issues.

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