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About this quote

What does it mean?
Humanity prioritizes survival and contribution over individual happiness.
In plain terms
We must contribute to society's survival before seeking personal joy.
What can you take from it?
Focus on duty and survival before pursuing happiness.

Where it applies

  • crisis management
  • career choices
  • community service

Putting it to work

  • prioritize essential tasks
  • serve the greater good
  • delay gratification

Questions to consider

  • What duties outweigh personal happiness?
  • When does survival become a burden?

Another view

Happiness is often a prerequisite for sustained productivity.

More from Orson Scott Card

  1. Among my most prized possessions are the words that I have never spoken.

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  2. It's the middle class that feels the luxury of being able to have causes.

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  3. If it isn't a wonderful story first, who cares how 'important' it is? (Ibid.)

    Permalink to quote #1103

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