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All kinds Quote by Tom Wolfe

“I was sitting in my office when someone called to tell me two light planes had collided with the World Trade Centre. I turned on my television; before long, there was this procession of people of all kinds walking up the street. What I remember most was the silence of that crowd; there was no sound.” quote by Tom Wolfe
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“I was sitting in my office when someone called to tell me two light planes had collided with the World Trade Centre. I turned on my television; before long, there was this procession of people of all kinds walking up the street. What I remember most was the silence of that crowd; there was no sound.”

Tom Wolfe

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The New Journalism” collection, Tom Wolfe, 1973

The narrator recounts a surreal moment after 9/11, noting the eerie silence of crowds amidst chaos.

In simple terms: Witnessed silent crowds after a disaster; felt surreal.

Key Takeaway

Observe how people react differently in crises.

Themes

trauma silence crowd behavior historical event memory

Mood

somber reflective thoughtful

Type

historical observational

When to use this quote

  • emergency response
  • urban planning
  • psychological first aid
  • memorial services

Key Concepts

collective shock public space dynamics media coverage

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does collective silence say about societal processing of tragedy?
  • How can we better support visible and invisible grief?
A Different Perspective

Silence may mask deeper distress; not all reactions are visible.

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