Interaction Quote by Steven Brust
““I once had someone explain to me that we don’t have real interactions with people, we have interactions with the image of those people we carry in our heads. I don’t know. Maybe. But I figure if I stick a Great Weapon into a guy’s eye, it’s close enough to a real interaction for most purposes.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Author Q&A, 2005
People interact with mental images of others rather than the individuals themselves, often leading to superficial or violent substitutes for real connection.
In simple terms: We engage with imagined versions of people, not the real ones.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic, face‑to‑face communication.
Themes
psychology
communication
technology
identity
violence
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
philosophical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- online dating
- social media
- conflict resolution
- virtual reality
Key Concepts
social perception
media influence
dehumanization
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can we take to see people as they truly are?
- How does media shape our mental portraits of others?
A Different Perspective
Relying on images can erode genuine empathy and understanding.
