Quote by John Green
We are like a bunch of dogs squirting on fire hydrants. We poison the groundwater with our toxic piss, marking everything MINE in a ridiculous attempt to survive our deaths. I can't stop pissing on fire hydrants...I am an animal like any other. Hazel is different. she walks lightly, old man. She walks lightly upon the earth. She knows the truth: We're as likely to hurt the universe as we are to help it, and we're not likely to do either.People will say it's sad that she leaves a lesser scar, that fewer remember her, that she was loved deeply but not widely. But it's not sad. It's triumphant. It's heroic. Isn't that the real heroism?The real heroes anyway aren't the people doing things; the real heroes are the people NOTICING things, paying attention.
Summary
This quote highlights the idea that humanity often leaves a negative impact on the world, much like dogs marking their territory. The metaphorical "toxic piss" symbolizes the destructive actions and selfish behaviors that harm both ourselves and the environment. The protagonist, Hazel, is portrayed as different because she treads lightly, understands the truth, and recognizes our potential to harm rather than help. The quote suggests that true heroism lies in individuals who observe and appreciate the world around them, rather than in those who merely take action without mindfulness.
By John Green
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