I asked a teacher what the opposite of a miracle was and she, without thinking, I assume, said it was an act of God. You shouldn't say something like that to the kind of kid who will grow up to be a writer; we have long memories.

Summary

This quote reflects the impact of careless words on a young and impressionable mind. The speaker recalls asking a teacher about the opposite of a miracle, expecting a profound answer. However, the teacher casually responds with "an act of God." The quote implies that this thoughtless response had a lasting effect, shaping the speaker's perception and perhaps inspiring their pursuit of writing. It highlights the power of words and serves as a reminder to be mindful of what we say, especially to those with receptive minds.

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