...Human beings are free except when humanity needs them. Maybe humanity needs you. To do something. Maybe humanity needs me - to find out what you're good for.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Freedom exists until humanity requires sacrifice for survival.
- In plain terms
- We are free until the group needs us for a purpose.
- What can you take from it?
- Individual freedom may be limited by collective needs.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What would you sacrifice?
- Is freedom absolute?
Another view
This can justify oppression under guise of necessity.
More from Orson Scott Card
Ender would be pleased - every one of them was stupid.
Permalink to quote #18 Individual human beings are all tools, that the others use to help us all survive.
Permalink to quote #20 It was just him and me. He fought with honor. If it weren't for his honor, he and the others would have beaten me together. They might have killed me, then. Hi…
Permalink to quote #17
Related quotes
Liberty is the most jealous and exacting mistress that can beguile the brain and soul of man. She will have nothing from him who will not give her all. She kno…
Clarence DarrowClarence Darrow quote #2 The time is now near at hand which must probably determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves; whether they are to have any property they can call t…
George WashingtonGeorge Washington quote #11 Throughout American history, there have been moments that call on us to meet the challenges of an uncertain world, and pay whatever price is required to secure…
Barack ObamaBarack Obama quote #28