In Jodi Picoult's "Handle with Care," the theme of fragility is central, as highlighted by the quote from Wallace Stegner, which suggests that everything, including our emotional states, can be damaged. The idea that life teaches us through pain indicates that experiences often leave us with wounds, rather than simply imparting wisdom. This perspective emphasizes the challenges of human existence, where both hearts and hopes can break.

Furthermore, the quote reflects on how the scars we accumulate shape our lives. Rather than gaining pure wisdom, people often develop resilience—represented here as scar tissue and callus. This metaphor illustrates the process of learning to cope with pain and loss, suggesting that while we may endure hardships, these experiences contribute to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.