Behavior Quote by Saramago, José
““Evidentemente, muitos destes cegos estao a ser pisados, empurrados, esmurrados, é o efeito do pânico, um efeito natural, pode-se dizer, a natureza animal é mesmo assim, também a vegetal se comportaria de igual maneira se nao tivesse todas aquelas raízes a prendê-la no chão, e que bonito seria poder ver árvores do bosque a fugir ao incêndio.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Blindness, José Saramago, 1995
When panic spreads, the vulnerable are trampled, illustrating how fear reduces compassion and amplifies chaos.
In simple terms: Fear causes people to crush the helpless.
Key Takeaway
Recognize panic and protect the vulnerable.
Themes
fear
vulnerability
human nature
compassion
Mood
anxious
somber
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- crowded protests
- natural disasters
- traffic jams
- online harassment
Key Concepts
social psychology
panic response
animal instinct
Questions to Reflect On
- How does panic change our treatment of the weak?
- What can we do to maintain empathy in crises?
A Different Perspective
Not all panic is irrational; sometimes self‑preservation justifies harsh actions.
