Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The government treats citizens as disposable because it views them like minor characters in a story, lacking intrinsic value.
In plain terms
People are treated as unimportant because their leaders see them as replaceable parts.
What can you take from it?
Governments often devalue citizens when they stop seeing them as fully human.

Where it applies

  • political commentary
  • social critique
  • citizen rights

Putting it to work

  • advocacy for human rights
  • critique of policy
  • public awareness

Questions to consider

  • How do you see your worth in society?
  • What makes a life valuable?

Another view

The quote uses metaphor rather than direct policy analysis.

More from Kurt Vonnegut

  1. I was on par with the Creator of the Universe there in the dark in the cocktail lounge. I shrunk the Universe to a ball exactly one light-year in diameter. I h…

    Permalink to quote #88
  2. It was Trout's fantasy that somebody would be outraged by the footprints. This would give him the opportunity to reply grandly, 'What is it that offends you so…

    Permalink to quote #90
  3. To be the eyes and ears and conscience of the Creator of the Universe, you fool.

    Permalink to quote #87

Related quotes

  1. Fellow-citizens: Clouds and darkness are around Him; His pavilion is dark waters and thick clouds; justice and judgment are the establishment of His throne; me…

    James A. GarfieldJames A. Garfield quote #1
  2. It is human life you value isn't it? Not its worth. Just human life. As if it were gold and could be neither good nor bad nor worth more nor worth less but mus…

    Alex MillerAlex Miller quote #2
  3. Who lesethe his fredam, in faith! he loseth all.

    John LydgateJohn Lydgate quote #2