Skip to content

For we each of us deserve everything, every luxury that…

“For we each of us deserve everything, every luxury that was ever piled in the tombs of the dead kings, and we each of us deserve nothing, not a mouthful of bread in hunger. Have we not eaten while another starved? Will you punish us for that? Will you reward us for the virtue of starving while…” quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
Download Open image
“For we each of us deserve everything, every luxury that was ever piled in the tombs of the dead kings, and we each of us deserve nothing, not a mouthful of bread in hunger. Have we not eaten while another starved? Will you punish us for that? Will you reward us for the virtue of starving while others ate? No man earns punishment, no man earns reward. Free your mind of the idea of deserving, the idea of earning, and you will begin to be able to think.”

Ursula K. Le Guin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Deserving and earning are false constructs; freeing the mind from them opens true thought.

In simple terms: Deserve and earn are myths.

Key Takeaway

Release the notion of entitlement.

Themes

equality justice philosophy

Mood

contemplative serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • economic policy
  • charitable work
  • personal values

Key Concepts

morality social equity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does merit mean to you?
  • How can societies balance fairness and incentive?
A Different Perspective

Some argue meritocracy motivates effort.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ursula K. Le Guin

Explore all 1,114 Ursula K. Le Guin quotes

More Able quotes

Browse all 17,257 Able quotes