In Roxane Gay's "An Untamed State," the author highlights the tendency of individuals to distance themselves from accountability concerning societal issues. By choosing not to engage in solutions, people effectively become complicit in the problems they witness, even if they are not directly involved. This notion challenges readers to reflect on their own roles and responsibilities within larger, systemic problems.

Gay emphasizes that silence and inaction can contribute to the perpetuation of issues, reminding us that our choices matter. It calls into question the ethics of passive observation versus active participation in fostering change. Ultimately, the quote serves as a powerful reminder that our moral standing is defined not just by our actions but also by our omissions.