I wonder if,” Nynaeve said, “we sometimes put the White…
““I wonder if,” Nynaeve said, “we sometimes put the White Tower —as an institution— before the people we serve. I wonder if we let it become a goal in itself, instead of a means to help us achieve greater goals.” “Devotion is important, Nynaeve. The White Tower protects and guides the world.” “And yet, so many of us do it without families,” Nynaeve said. “Without love, without passion beyond our own particular interests. So even while we try to guide the world, we separate ourselves from it. We risk arrogance, Egwene. We always assume we know best, but risk making ourselves unable to fathom the people we claim to serve.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A character questions whether an institution becomes an end in itself, losing sight of its purpose to serve people, warning against arrogance and detachment.
In simple terms: Institutions can become self‑focused, forgetting they exist to help others.
Key Takeaway
Keep institutions servant‑oriented, not self‑serving.
Themes
leadership
service
humility
institutional critique
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- organizational strategy
- public policy
- community service
Key Concepts
purpose
arrogance
detachment
Questions to Reflect On
- What checks prevent an institution from becoming a goal?
- How can leaders stay connected to those they serve?
A Different Perspective
Institutions may resist change and cling to tradition.