Atrocities Quote by Ron Rash
“The woman doesn't look up. It's as if she's deaf. Maybe she is. Maybe she's like the Cambodian women I've read about, the ones who witnessed so many atrocities that they have willed themselves blind. Maybe that's what you have to do sometimes to survive. You kill off part of yourself, your hearing or eyesight, your capacity for hope.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The World Made Straight, 2009
Trauma can cause people to shut out reality, turning emotional pain into a protective numbness.
In simple terms: Trauma may make people emotionally numb to survive.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address hidden wounds.
Themes
trauma
survival
psychological defense
hope
resilience
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
literary
psychological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- war zones
- genocide survivors
- personal loss
- daily stress
- healing processes
Key Concepts
post‑traumatic stress
self‑protection
psychological coping
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you notice when you’re numbing yourself?
- What steps can restore hope without overwhelming pain?
A Different Perspective
Numbness can also isolate and hinder recovery.
