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With about a dozen assorted ongoing conflicts in the news every day, and with the stories becoming more horrific, the level of sadness becomes unbearable. And what becomes of our planet when that sadness becomes apathy? Because we feel helpless. And we turn our heads and turn the page.
Eddie Vedder
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects on how constant exposure to conflict and suffering can lead to a feeling of helplessness and ultimately apathy.

Eddie Vedder's quote emphasizes the emotional toll that ongoing conflicts and distressing news can have on individuals. As people are bombarded with negative stories, they may start to feel overwhelmed by sadness, which can lead to a sense of helplessness. This feeling may cause them to disengage from the issues, resulting in apathy towards the suffering of others and the problems facing the planet, which can have dire consequences for society and humanity's collective responsibility.

Themes

ConflictSadnessApathyHelplessnessNewsEmpathy

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech on social awareness, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of not becoming indifferent to suffering.

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I think music is the greatest art form that exists, and I think people listen to music for different reasons, and it serves different purposes. Some of it is background music, and some of it is things that might affect a person's day, if not their life, or change an attitude. The best songs are the ones that make you feel something.
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I think the hardest thing about making music now is being a great dad at the same time. There's an insanity that goes with writing - a mad scientist thing that you have to go through - and sacrificing a kid's upbringing to do that is not an option.
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