Matter Quote by Thomas Harris
“There is no murder. We make murder, and it matters only to us.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris, 1988
The quote suggests that killing is a human construct, and its significance is limited to those who commit it.
In simple terms: Murder is a human-made concept, only important to the murderer.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the human origins of violence.
Themes
ethics
human nature
violence
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- criminal justice
- personal conflict
- media portrayal
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
Moral relativism
psychology of aggression
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labeling murder as a construct affect accountability?
- Can violence ever be justified?
A Different Perspective
It ignores the impact on victims and society.
![“[T]here is no consensus in the psychiatric community that Dr. Lecter should be termed a man. He has long been regarded by his professional peers in psychiatry, many of whom fear his acid pen in the professional journals, as something entirely Other. For convenience, they term him “monster”.” quote by Thomas Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/37c/thomas-harris-1874_quote_t-here-is-no-consensus-in-the-psychiatri_27085.jpg)
