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About this quote

What does it mean?
People fear being useless, yet being used against their will is also harmful.
In plain terms
Being useless is bad, but being forced to help is also bad.
What can you take from it?
Purpose is important but must be chosen freely.

Where it applies

  • workplace ethics
  • volunteering
  • existential crisis

Putting it to work

  • find meaningful work
  • respect consent
  • define purpose

Questions to consider

  • What makes your life useful?
  • Do you want to be used?

Another view

It oversimplifies the nuance between being used and being needed.

More from Kurt Vonnegut

  1. I was a victim of a series of accidents, as are we all.

    Permalink to quote #38
  2. Puny man can do nothing at all to help or please God Almighty, and Luck is not the hand of God.

    Permalink to quote #40
  3. The big trouble with dumb bastards is that they are too dumb to believe there is such a thing as being smart.

    Permalink to quote #37

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