Only you have the power to kill me completely. Only you have the power to make it so my death means nothing, so that all my people die after me and there is no one left to remember. Why shouldn't I leave my testament with you alone? Only you will decide whether or not it has any worth.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker argues that memory determines the value of a legacy and places the power to erase that legacy in the hands of the listener.
- In plain terms
- You decide if my life matters by remembering me or letting my people die forgotten.
- What can you take from it?
- Legacy depends on others remembering your story.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does a life matter if forgotten?
- Who owns a legacy?
Another view
Legacy can exist without direct memory from specific listeners.
More from Orson Scott Card
If you tell what you know, everyone is wiser. If you keep a secret, then everyone is a fool.
Permalink to quote #198 Lets say I'm a suspector. I suspect there may be someone who cares what happens to us. That's one step better than merely wishing. And one step below hoping.
Permalink to quote #200 You both refuse to listen to anybody else. You know better about everything. And when you're both done, many many innocent people are dead.
Permalink to quote #197
Related quotes
I wonder if I could have been here before as I drive up the Roman road the Theater seems familiar - perhaps I headed a legion up that same white road... I pass…
George S. PattonGeorge S. Patton quote #1 All of us have a place in history. Mine is clouds.
Richard BrautiganRichard Brautigan quote #7 I never understood why when you died, you didn't just vanish, everything could just keep going on the way it was only you just wouldn't be there. I always thou…
Andy WarholAndy Warhol quote #28