Cities Quote by Jeanne DuPrau
“Lina couldn't sleep at first, thinking of the old songs and what they meant. Someone, long ago, had hoped that at least a few people would survive and had wanted them to remember her city and the treasure it held, the treasure that was most valuable of all - herself, her family, and all of the generations of people who had lived in that secret place, their purpose, though they didn't know it, to make sure that human beings did not vanish from the world, no matter what happened above.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The City of Ember, Jeanne DuPrau, 2003
Lina reflects on songs and a hidden treasure of heritage, underscoring humanity’s need to remember its roots to survive.
In simple terms: Remembering heritage preserves humanity.
Key Takeaway
Preserve memory, protect future.
Themes
heritage
survival
memory
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- family storytelling
- community building
Key Concepts
post‑apocalyptic fiction
cultural continuity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we keep cultural memory alive?
- What is the greatest treasure we hold?
A Different Perspective
Memory can be lost; preservation is effortful.
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