“I don’t think you put them anywhere. We think we have that kind of power over people, but most of the time, we don’t. People put themselves where they want to be, that’s all. Sometimes they know what they’re doing. Sometimes they don’t.”
Detective Wheel is expressing her thoughts on human responsibility and the decisions people make in their life in this comment. She questions if Arman or anybody else can be held fully accountable for the fate of others. She contends that people have agency over their acts and decisions and that they ultimately pick the path they want to take. While it is natural to feel responsible for the well-being of loved ones, Detective Wheel suggests that it is not accurate to believe that one person has the power to influence the choices and outcomes of others. Some individuals may have a clear understanding of their actions while others may act without fully comprehending the consequences. Ultimately, Detective Wheel's perspective emphasizes the complexity of human agency and the limitations of one person's influence over another.
"But the Americans were supposed to be different."
The phrase expresses Arman's initial optimism and expectation of the United States and its people. It conveys a sense of disenchantment and a dramatic contrast between his belief and the reality he has experienced. Growing up in a region beset by violence and authoritarian government, Arman looked to America as a beacon of freedom, justice, and intervention against repressive regimes. The statement encapsulates the assumption that the United States with its might and resources will come to the help of those suffering under dictators such as Saddam Hussein. However, Arman's faith in the American government's readiness to stand up to human rights breaches was broken by the delayed response and apparent lack of action during his father's lifetime. This sentiment is further reinforced by his experience working with Americans in Mosul where he witnessed both admirable dedication and potential indifference in their efforts. The phrase highlights Arman's complex relationship with the notion of American intervention as he grapples with the possibility that even the best-intentioned individuals may be limited by external circumstances and political realities.
“People who came from money always judged those who didn’t. They couldn’t help themselves. They took credit and placed blame. They pitied and shamed and wore out their arms patting themselves on the back for both.”
This quote depicts the narrator's observation and criticism of the actions and thinking of people from affluent backgrounds. According to the narrator, wealthy individuals have a natural tendency to pass judgment on those from less privileged backgrounds. Their judgmental attitude derives from a sense of entitlement and superiority. These people not only grab credit for their accomplishments, but they also blame others for their failings, refusing to accept personal responsibility. Furthermore, the author claims that those who are rich tend to pity and humiliate those who are less fortunate, demonstrating a lack of empathy and understanding. Finally, the quote implies that individuals from wealthy backgrounds excessively congratulate themselves, patting themselves on the back for their achievements without recognizing the advantages they had from the start.
“That was the problem with intelligent people, he thought. They were never smart enough to know when they needed help.”
Matt Jacobson considers the nature of brilliant people and their tendency to ignore their need for help. Sally's brilliance is recognized by Matt but he also observes that intelligence alone does not always translate into recognizing when one is struggling. He sees Sally as someone with considerable intelligence but lacks the insight to recognize the importance of obtaining help. Matt's remark underlines a common paradox among brilliant people: they excel at problem-solving and objectively analyzing situations, yet they frequently struggle to recognize and treat their own psychological needs. It implies that intelligence does not guarantee emotional intelligence and that even the smartest brains can benefit from admitting their flaws and seeking assistance when necessary.
