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Heart Quote by Robert Goolrick

“Then there was survival. There was going on, as she had always gone on, without much joy, against her will, against her instincts, without the stomach for it, but on and on and on, without relief, without release, without a hand to reach out and touch her heart. Without kindness or comfort. But…” quote by Robert Goolrick
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““Then there was survival. There was going on, as she had always gone on, without much joy, against her will, against her instincts, without the stomach for it, but on and on and on, without relief, without release, without a hand to reach out and touch her heart. Without kindness or comfort. But on. Forced into such poverty, imprisoned in such despair, there was only one thing she was sure she could do. She could survive.””

Robert Goolrick

About This Quote

Source Novel: The World According to Garp, 1991

A woman endures relentless hardship, clinging to survival despite lacking joy, support, or comfort, illustrating human resilience in dire circumstances.

In simple terms: She survives despite suffering and lack of support.

Key Takeaway

Recognize inner strength in adversity.

Themes

survival resilience loneliness poverty despair

Mood

somber reflective

Type

narrative philosophical

When to use this quote

  • war zones
  • personal trauma
  • long‑term illness
  • economic hardship

Key Concepts

human endurance psychological survival existential perseverance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What inner resources sustain you in hardship?
  • How can compassion be offered to those suffering silently?
A Different Perspective

Survival alone may not lead to healing or fulfillment.

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