Feelings Quote by Pat Barker
““But then, that's the question. Should you even pause to consider your own reactions? These men suffer so much more than he does, more than he can imagine. In the face of their suffering, isn't it self-indulgent to think about his own feelings? He has nobody to talk to about such things and blunders his way through as best he can. If you feel nothing -this is what he comes back to time and time again -you might just as well be a machine, and machines aren't very good at caring for people. There's something machine-like about a lot of the professional nurses here. Even Sister Byrd, whom he admires, he looks at her sometimes and sees an automaton. Well, lucky for her, perhaps. It's probably more efficient to be like that. Certainly less painful.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Ghost Road by Pat Barker, 1995
The narrator questions whether feeling empathy is selfish when others suffer, suggesting emotional detachment may be a coping strategy, though it risks dehumanizing care.
In simple terms: Feeling empathy may seem selfish; detachment can protect but dehumanize.
Key Takeaway
Balance empathy with self‑care in caregiving.
Themes
empathy
self‑care
professional duty
detachment
humanity
Mood
conflicted
thoughtful
empathetic
Type
ethical
psychological
reflective
When to use this quote
- nursing
- mental health care
- high‑stress professions
- ethical dilemmas
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
ethical caregiving
emotional labor
professional boundaries
compassion fatigue
Questions to Reflect On
- When does self‑protection become harmful?
- How can caregivers stay humane while protecting themselves?
A Different Perspective
Detachment can lead to loss of genuine compassion.
