Bad decision Quote by Richard Siken
“The narrator blames the birds. And you want to blame the birds as well. I blamed the birds for a long time. But in this story everyone is hungry, even the birds. And at this point in the story so many things have gone wrong, so many bad decisions made, that it’s a wonder anyone would want to continue reading.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Birds" by Richard Siken, 2004
The narrator projects blame onto birds, reflecting how people often externalize fault when circumstances are dire, yet everyone, including the birds, suffers hunger and hardship.
In simple terms: Blaming others masks shared suffering.
Key Takeaway
Recognize shared struggles instead of scapegoating.
Themes
blame
shared suffering
despair
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- community hardship
- conflict resolution
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
externalization
human condition
empathy
Questions to Reflect On
- Who else shares the burden?
- How does blaming affect hope?
A Different Perspective
Blame can obscure personal responsibility and hinder growth.
