The effect of an action is not always equal in size to the
act itself. Sometimes actions get no reactions at all.
Sometimes, large, seemingly important actions cause
consequences that are much smaller than expected;
while other times, small, apparently minor acts cause
reactions that are much larger than expected. For
example, Richard’s mother did almost nothing. But her
standing by and allowing his father to beat him no
doubt had a major effect on Richard’s future life.