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About this quote

What does it mean?
People embody flaws of their era but can rise above them through virtue.
In plain terms
We have bad habits from our times but can still do good.
What can you take from it?
Judge people by their highest choices, not just their context.

Where it applies

  • historical analysis
  • character judgment
  • legacy

Putting it to work

  • evaluate leaders holistically
  • separate era from person

Questions to consider

  • How much does culture shape you?
  • What virtues transcend your time?

Another view

Context often limits individual virtue.

More from Orson Scott Card

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  3. When we intended to enjoy being cruel, we must transform our victim into either a beast or a god

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