"Innocence always calls mutely for protection when we would be so much wiser to guard ourselves against it: innocence is like a dumb leper who has lost his bell, wandering the world, meaning no harm"

In this quote, Graham Greene uses a profound commentary on the nature of innocence and its often ignored ramifications. He suggests that innocence, usually viewed as a virtue, can be disarming and deceptively potent, requiring a cautious method. The images of innocence quietly requiring protection taps into the typically held belief that innocence is delicate and in requirement of safeguarding. Nevertheless, Greene challenges this notion by recommending a turnaround of functions; it is we who need to secure ourselves versus innocence.

The metaphor of innocence as "a dumb leper who has lost his bell" vividly shows this idea. Lepers in previous ages typically carried bells to caution others of their existence, creating a boundary for what society deemed as dangerous or contagious. By portraying innocence as a leper without a bell, Greene implies that it moves undetected and unchecked, potentially causing unintended interruption. The leper "implying no harm" highlights the concept that innocence itself does not bring destructive intent; rather, its impact can be harmful specifically due to the fact that of its obliviousness to the effects it may have on others.

This point of view invites readers to critically evaluate the role of innocence in human behavior and relationships. Rather than idealizing innocence as a state of pureness, Greene encourages a more nuanced understanding that represents its complexity. Innocence, in its naivety and vulnerability, may lead people into situations where their absence of awareness or experience can unintentionally trigger damage to themselves or others. Wise discernment, for that reason, depends on acknowledging the possible perils of innocence and preserving caution in its existence, making sure that our interactions with it do not lead to unexpected consequences.

Eventually, Greene's reflection is a call to reassess standard attitudes towards innocence, recognizing it not simply as a picturesque state however as a complex force within human life that requires mindful navigation.