It Ends with Us: Quotes

“There is no such thing as bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things.”

The quote is a reflection of the novel's overarching message about the complexity of human behavior. It suggests that people are not inherently good or bad, but rather capable of both, and that actions should be judged separately from the person who commits them. This idea is particularly relevant to Lily's relationships with Ryle and Atlas, both of whom exhibit both good and bad qualities. It also highlights the importance of empathy and forgiveness, as everyone is capable of making mistakes and causing harm.

“It stops here. With me and you. It ends with us.”

It is a pivotal moment in the novel and encapsulates the theme of breaking the cycle of abuse. Lily makes the decision to end her relationship with Ryle, recognizing that his abusive behavior towards her is not acceptable and that she has the power to put an end to it. The quote also represents a larger societal issue of generational abuse, as Lily's own mother was a victim of domestic violence. It highlights the importance of recognizing and standing up against abuse, even if it means breaking away from toxic relationships or patterns.

“All humans make mistakes. What determines a person's character aren't the mistakes we make. It's how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.”

The quote is a reflection of the novel's focus on personal growth and taking responsibility for one's actions. It emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth, rather than using them as excuses for negative behavior. This quote is exemplified by Atlas's own personal growth throughout the novel, as he learns to take responsibility for his past mistakes and uses them as a catalyst for positive change.

“Just because someone hurts you doesn't mean you can simply stop loving them. It's not a person's actions that hurt the most. It's the love. If there was no love attached to the action, the pain would be a little easier to bear.”

This quote highlights the complexity of love and how it can sometimes lead to pain and heartache. It suggests that love is not always a simple emotion, and that it can sometimes cause harm. However, it also emphasizes the power of love, as it can inspire forgiveness and a willingness to work through difficult times.

“Just because we didn’t end up on the same wave, doesn’t mean we aren’t still a part of the same ocean.”

This quote speaks to the idea that even if people are not in each other's lives anymore, they still share a connection and are part of a larger community. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the shared humanity of all people, and highlights the potential for empathy and understanding.

“Fifteen seconds. That’s all it takes to completely change everything about a person. Fifteen.”

This quote highlights the impact that a single moment or decision can have on a person's life. It emphasizes the importance of being mindful and intentional in our actions, as well as recognizing the potential consequences of our choices.

“Naked truths aren’t always pretty.”

This quote speaks to the idea that honesty and truth can sometimes be uncomfortable or painful. It emphasizes the importance of being truthful and open, even if it means facing difficult truths or situations. It also highlights the potential for growth and healing that comes with facing these truths.