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About this quote

What does it mean?
Catastrophic events like death and crime strip away social distinctions and reduce everyone to the same level.
In plain terms
Tragedies make everyone equal regardless of status.
What can you take from it?
Misfortune erases social hierarchies and unites people in suffering.

Where it applies

  • discussing social equality
  • analyzing crime
  • facing loss

Putting it to work

  • recognize shared humanity
  • acknowledge vulnerability

Questions to consider

  • When have you felt equal to others due to hardship?
  • Does suffering truly unite people?

Another view

It overlooks how privilege often persists even during crises.

More from Charles Dickens

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  2. 'It opens the lungs, washes the countenance, exercises the eyes, and softens down the temper,' said Mr. Bumble. 'So cry away.'

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  3. There is a passion for hunting something deeply implanted in the human breast.

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