I did this with particular success while teaching Huckleberry Finn and The Kitchen God's Wife. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow's, or the characters'. Socratic seminar Socrates sat under the trees and had essential conversations with anyone who would listen to him. The seminar format is particularly suited for this kind of conversation because students need to listen to what others' say and have time to find their way into the conversation.
Discussion is essential.
Such quotes challenge students to think about substantial questions that occupy their minds, and with which many students need time to struggle if they are to make sense of the violence and evil they encounter in the world. Borrowing from the law school case study model, I like to create dilemmas that force deep thinking and promote intelligent discussion. For example, students get into a group and are asked first to define what a friend is. They have to reach consensus on each one and then present their arguments to the class during a full class discussion. Invite them to share their own thoughts about justice, suicide, morality obligation, and honor.