In real life, coincidences happen all the time. In novels, they are leapt upon with fury.
Harlan CobenRead
I wish i could tell you that through the tragedy i mined some undiscovered, life-altering absolute that i could pass on to you.I didn't.The cliches apply-people are what count,life is precious,materialism is over rated, and the little things matter,live in the moment-and i can repeat them to you ad nauseam.you might listen, but you won't internalize.Tragedy hammers it hm.Tragedy etches into your soul.You might not be happier.But you will be better.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Tragedy can deeply impact us, teaching valuable lessons about what truly matters in life.
In this quote, Harlan Coben reflects on the profound impact that tragedy can have on an individual. While he acknowledges that common sayings about life—such as the importance of people, the triviality of materialism, and the significance of living in the moment—are indeed true, he emphasizes that these lessons often become fully realized only through the experience of suffering. Though tragedy may not bring happiness, it can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of life’s essential truths.
Themes
TragedyLife LessonsGrowthWisdomSuffering
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
More from Harlan Coben
All quotes →The ugliest truth, in the end, was still better than the prettiest of lies.
Harlan CobenRead
When you like something and you're pretty good at it and you can make a living doing it, you don't ask why. You just count your blessings and go with it.
Harlan CobenRead
No, I don’t live in heartache. I don’t cry myself to sleep or any of that. I am, I tell myself, over it. But I do feel a void, icky as that sounds. And—like it or not—I still think about her every single day.
Harlan CobenRead
Life may not always fall into neat chapters, and you may not always get the satisfying ending you're looking for, but sometimes a good explanation is all the rewrite you need.
Harlan CobenRead
The most annoying and full- of- crap thing a writer says is, I write only for myself, I don't care if anyone reads it. A writer without a reader doesn't exist.
Harlan CobenRead
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