Quote by Lionel Shriver
I suppose that's a common conceit, that you've already been so damaged that damage itself, in its totality, make you safe.
Summary
This quote suggests that some individuals may believe that if they have already endured significant damage in their lives, they are somehow protected from further harm. It implies that they view their past pain as a shield or armor, perhaps assuming that they have already experienced the worst, and therefore, no other harm can affect them. However, this notion can be seen as a misguided belief, as true safety lies not in dwelling on past damage but in actively seeking healing and growth.