But [White Liberals] think all the world’s problems can be fixed without any cost to themselves. We do not believe that. There’s a lot to be said for sacrifice, remorse, even pity. It’s what separates us from roaches.
-Dr. Paul Farmer, as quoted by Tracy Kidder, Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a man would cure the world (2004), 40. via mereHope
Similar quote from Wendell Berry (one of my favorites of his): Rats and roaches live by competition under the laws of supply and demand; it is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice and mercy.