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About this quote

What does it mean?
Humans possess a disturbing capacity to normalize even the most extreme actions.
In plain terms
People can adapt to any situation, including terrible ones.
What can you take from it?
Be wary of how quickly habits form around harmful acts.

Where it applies

  • psychology
  • history
  • conflict zones

Putting it to work

  • monitor desensitization
  • question normalization
  • maintain ethical boundaries

Questions to consider

  • What acts have you normalized?
  • How does routine change morality?

Another view

It assumes all adaptation is negative.

More from Yann Martell

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  2. 'Bapu Gandhi said, 'All religions are true.' I just want to love God,' I blurted out, and looked down, red in the face. p. 69

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  3. The lower you are, the higher your mind will want to soar. p.314

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