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You hold freedom like a prize, and it's in your power to help others be free, but you're too selfish to reach out and give them freedom, too. Keep your freedom, keep your immortality, but somewhere along the line I hope you figure out what you're living forever for. What noble purpose you mean to achieve. Because you're no good to anyone here, not even yourselves

Orson Scott Card#887

FreedomPurposeSelfishness

About this quote

What does it mean?
Criticism of those who hoard freedom and immortality without helping others.
In plain terms
You keep freedom and life but do not help others be free.
What can you take from it?
Power should be used to free others, not just for self.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • social justice
  • personal reflection

Putting it to work

  • use influence to help others
  • evaluate your purpose

Questions to consider

  • What do you live for?
  • Are you using your freedom to help?

Another view

Some believe personal liberty is paramount over service.

More from Orson Scott Card

  1. I know what warfare is and I reject it Of course you reject it. Who can kill you? You'll never die. But out there are millions of people who can die

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  2. I hadn't know that. I hadn't known what price they would pay 'I'll do my best without your help'

    Permalink to quote #888
  3. For once, I could look forward to the relief of talking to someone to whom I didn't have to lie, someone who might be able to understand what I had done, who m…

    Permalink to quote #885

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