In Richard Russo's "Empire Falls," the quote highlights the intrinsic human tendency to balance extremes. It suggests that people naturally gravitate towards a path that avoids the perilous allure of intense emotions, as well as the bleakness of apathy. This pursuit of a moderate stance reflects a deeper understanding of life's complexities and the need for equilibrium amidst chaos.
This idea resonates with the broader theme of the novel, where characters...