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Welcome to Barrayar, son. Here you go: have a world of wealth and poverty, wrenching change and rooted history. Have a birth; have two. Have a name. Miles means 'soldier,' but don't let the power of suggestion overwhelm you. Have a twisted form in a society that loathes and fears the mutations that have been its deepest agony. Have a title, wealth, power, and all the hatred and envy they will draw. Have your body ripped apart and re-arranged. Inherit an array of friends and enemies you never made. Have a grandfather from hell. Endure pain, find joy, and make your own meaning, because the universe certainly isn't going to supply it. Always be a moving target. Live. Live. Live.

Lois McMaster Bujold#23

IdentityResilienceLifeMeaning

About this quote

What does it mean?
Life involves inheriting complex burdens and must be shaped by personal meaning and resilience.
In plain terms
You inherit many challenges and must make your own meaning.
What can you take from it?
Create your own meaning.

Where it applies

  • major life transitions
  • dealing with hardship
  • identity crises

Putting it to work

  • define your values
  • accept challenges
  • adapt constantly

Questions to consider

  • What meaning are you making of your life?
  • How do you endure pain?

Another view

It places heavy burden on individuals to create meaning alone.

More from Lois McMaster Bujold

  1. One step at a time, I can walk around the world. Watch me.

    Permalink to quote #22
  2. I would fight the world for you, but I'm damned if I can figure out how to save you from yourself.

    Permalink to quote #24
  3. She didn't feel anything, no grief or remorse, though her heart was racing and her breath came in gasps. A shocky combat-high, that immortal rush that made men…

    Permalink to quote #21

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