Passages from literature can capture poignant truths about trauma and its survivors which might be difficult to glean from years of clinical or research work. ISTSS Members are invited to share a favorite passage or quote from literature that may not be well known, but which offers insight about the psychological effects of trauma or paths of healing. Send submissions to Harold Kudler and Howard Lipke.

This issue, the editors offer the following excerpt:

“A Passage to India,” by EM Forester is, among other things, the story of an Indian physician unjustly imprisoned during the British occupation of India. Toward the end of the book, after the death of one of the more sympathetic characters, the narrator reflects on the lack of response from two acquaintances:

 "How is it indeed possible for one human being to be sorry for all the sadness that meets humans on the face of the earth, for the pain that is endured not only by men, but by animals and plants, and perhaps by stones? The soul is tired in a moment and in fear of losing the little she does understand, she retreats to the permanent lines which habit or chance have dictated, and suffers there." (p. 275, Harcourt, paperback edition)