First time Quote by Stephen Kelman
““Violence always came too easy to you, that's the problem. It always felt too good. Remember the first time you trod on an ant, and with an infant stamp made the moving still, the present past? Wasn't that a sickly sweet epiphany? Such power in your feet and at your fingertips such temptation! It would take some act of charity to give all that good stuff away. You'd need to be something greater that just another invention of a spiteful god.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Book of Dead Mothers, 2021
Violence feels easy and tempting; true power requires self‑transcendence.
In simple terms: Violence is a seductive shortcut.
Key Takeaway
Choose compassion over domination.
Themes
violence
power
self‑control
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
Key Concepts
ethics
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What temptations lure you to aggression?
- How can you cultivate greater empathy?
A Different Perspective
Compassion can be hard to practice.
