Either things happen for a reason, or they happen for no reason at all. Either one's life is a thread in a glorious tapestry or humanity is just a hopelessly tangled knot.
Neal ShustermanRead
I mean, it's like we all get our raw materials from our families―but it's up to us whether we build bridges or bombs.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our backgrounds shape us, but how we choose to use that influence is our responsibility.
This quote highlights the profound impact that our families have on our identities and choices. It suggests that while our family dynamics and experiences provide us with foundational materials, it is ultimately our responsibility to decide whether those influences will lead us to create positive connections (bridges) or destructive outcomes (bombs) in our lives and relationships.
Themes
FamilyChoicesInfluenceResponsibilityRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
During a family reunion, I shared this quote to encourage everyone to focus on positive relationships.
More from Neal Shusterman
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