The word callous is employed in literature to depict an emotional hardness or insensitivity that often underscores moral or social critique. It serves not only to describe characters who are unfeeling or indifferent—as when a character is deemed "brutally callous" or emotionally stunted [1]—but also to paint a broader picture of a world or society hardened by experience, as in the depiction of callous spectators or heartless communities [2][3]. At times, callous serves as a counterpoint to tenderness and vulnerability, contrasting the passionate with the indifferent, whether it is a subtle character observation in a psychological portrait [4] or a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of a harsh environment [5]. This layered use enriches narratives by highlighting the cost of emotional survival, making callousness a powerful descriptor in both personal transformation and societal critique.