Quote #130: Ragen Howey

Hi, I'm Ragen Howey, Patient Relations Manager at MyMichigan Health and member of the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition. A quote that is meaningful to me is, "One doesn't have to operate with great malice to do great harm. The absence of empathy and understanding are sufficient" said by Charles M. Blow.

This quote is meaningful to me because it underscores the importance of being thoughtful and intentional in how we move through the world. It’s a powerful reminder that harm doesn't always come from a place of hatred or bad intent—it can just as easily stem from indifference, carelessness, or a lack of awareness.

I think about moments in my life when I’ve been hurt by someone’s words or actions. Even if they didn’t mean to cause harm, the impact was still real—precisely because they hadn’t paused to consider how their behavior might affect me. It wasn’t malice that caused the pain, but a lack of empathy.

This quote also makes me reflect on how often people rush to defend their views or choices without taking the time to consider how those views might impact others. There’s a fine line between standing firm in one’s beliefs and being unwilling to listen, learn, or acknowledge harm.

To me, true intelligence and strength show up not just in what we think or believe, but in how we treat others—especially when no one’s watching. Empathy isn’t just a soft skill; it’s a form of wisdom and power we’re all responsible for using.

Perhaps you can consider where you might be causing harm through your blind spots or disconnection; reflect on interactions you have had that didn't feel so great, might there have been a greater opportunity for empathy?

This has been brought to you by the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition's Quotes to Live By Series. Take good care of each other.