"Unwind": Quotes of Ethical Dilemmas & Human Worth

"Unwind" by Neal Shusterman is a novel that really makes you think. It dives deep into the ethical and moral questions around using human parts for organ transplants. The book makes you wonder about the value of life, individual rights, and how technology affects society. There are several quotes in the book that really capture these themes and show what the characters think about unwinding. Let's look at some of these quotes and see what they mean for the bigger picture of the story.

Lev: “A person's a person no matter how small.”

One of the most powerful quotes in “Unwind” comes from Lev. He says, “A person's a person no matter how small.” This is actually from Dr. Seuss’s “Horton Hears a Who!”. It’s a strong reminder that every human life is valuable, no matter their age or situation. In the story, this quote fights against the idea of unwinding, which basically treats teenagers like they’re just parts to be used. It makes you think about the morals of treating people like they’re disposable instead of unique and special. This quote really criticizes how dehumanizing unwinding is and reminds us that everyone has worth and dignity, no matter what.

Connor: “You can't change laws without first changing human nature.”

Another big quote in “Unwind” is, “You can't change laws without first changing human nature.” Connor says this, and it’s a deep dive into how society’s norms affect how people act. It’s saying that unwinding isn’t just a legal problem; it’s tied to how people value human life. To really tackle the ethical issues of unwinding, we need to change how people see and value others. This quote makes readers think about the bigger cultural factors that make practices like unwinding seem acceptable and pushes them to look at their own beliefs and actions about these issues.

Risa: “The problem with unwinding is that you can never be sure what's getting unwound. You don't know what's going to come apart.”

Then there’s the quote, “The problem with unwinding is that you can never be sure what's getting unwound. You don't know what's going to come apart,” said by Risa. This points out the unpredictable and dangerous side of unwinding. It’s a warning about the unexpected consequences of treating people like throwaway items. It shows the uncertainty and lack of control in the unwinding process and the potential harm it can cause to everyone. This quote makes readers think about the bigger implications of using human parts for transplants and weigh the risks and benefits of such practices.

Sonia: “You can't change the past, but the future is a different story.”

Another thought-provoking quote is, “You can't change the past, but the future is a different story.” Sonia says this, and it’s about hope and change despite tough moral issues. It means that while we can’t undo past actions, there’s still hope for a better and more ethical future. It encourages readers to think about the potential for positive change in tackling the ethical issues of unwinding and to take action in creating a more just and humane society. It’s a call to action for people to reflect on their values and actions and work towards a future that respects everyone’s dignity.

Conclusion

“Unwind” is a thought-provoking novel that raises important questions about the value of human life, the impact of technology on society, and the ethics of using human parts for organ transplants. The quotes discussed here give insight into the characters' views on these themes and highlight the bigger social and cultural issues in the novel. By looking at these quotes and their relevance to the story, readers are pushed to think about their own beliefs and actions regarding these tough moral and ethical dilemmas. In the end, “Unwind” reminds us of the importance of recognizing the value and dignity of every person and the need for a more just and compassionate society.