In the book "Prep" by Curtis Sittenfeld, the protagonist reflects on the nature of their encouragement towards others. They come to realize that their support often stems from a lack of desire for the same goals or a belief in the other person's ability to achieve them. This insight highlights the complexity of human interactions and the motivations behind seemingly altruistic behavior.

This realization serves as a poignant commentary on how people sometimes engage in encouragement without genuine investment in the outcome. It suggests that the act of supporting others can occasionally be more about the encourager’s feelings than about the true potential of the one receiving encouragement. This dynamic raises questions about authenticity and the sincerity of our interactions with peers.