Children Quote by Sara Poole
““Who is Nando?" Cesare asked. "Rocco's son," I replied. "A child." Make no mistake, Cesare was a selfish and ruthless man. The entire course of his life proves this. But for all that, he could on ocassion actually be a man - and by that I do not mean that he possessed scrotum and penis, as does the rudest hog rooting in a sty. He had an instinct to care for those weaker than himself, especially children, whom he liked and valued far more than he did most adults. But just then he was very young and lacking in the thin - in Cesare's case, extremely thin - veneer of civilization that most men manage to acquire as they pass through life. That being the case, he gave voice to what was, in all honesty, my own instinctive response to Rocco's news. " Merda. " I could not have put it better.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Unknown, possibly a contemporary literary work
A ruthless man can still show genuine care for the vulnerable, revealing a thin veneer of civilization that can be stripped away by instinct.
In simple terms: Even cruel people may have moments of compassion.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and nurture compassion in yourself and others.
Themes
compassion
human nature
civilization
instinct
vulnerability
Mood
reflective
somber
insightful
Type
philosophical
literary
character study
When to use this quote
- parenting
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
- leadership
- community building
Key Concepts
moral ambiguity
psychology
social behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- What triggers compassion in seemingly selfish individuals?
- How can society reinforce lasting empathy?
A Different Perspective
Compassion may be fleeting and dependent on personal circumstances.
