Common Quote by Lionel Shriver
“I thought at the time that I couldn't be horrified anymore, or wounded. I suppose that's a common conceit, that you've already been so damaged that damage itself, in its totality, makes you safe.”
About This Quote
People may feel immune to further horror after deep trauma, believing damage itself becomes a protective shield.
In simple terms: After severe damage, one might think they cannot be hurt again.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that trauma can mask vulnerability, not eliminate it.
Themes
trauma
self‑protection
illusion
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy session
- personal reflection
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
psychological coping
emotional resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- Can feeling damaged ever truly protect?
- What risks arise from emotional numbness?
A Different Perspective
The notion of safety through damage can be misleading.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
