--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It seems to me that if you or I must…" description: "\"“It seems to me that if you or I must choose between two courses of thought or action, we should remember our dying and try so to live that our death b..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c7/john-steinbeck-71_action_it-seems-to-me-that-if-you-or-i-must-cho_158620.jpg" --- # It seems to me that if you or I must choose between two… ![“It seems to me that if you or I must choose between two courses of thought or action, we should remember our dying and try so to live that our death brings no pleasure to the world.” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c7/john-steinbeck-71_action_it-seems-to-me-that-if-you-or-i-must-cho_158620.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c7/john-steinbeck-71_action_it-seems-to-me-that-if-you-or-i-must-cho_158620.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c7/john-steinbeck-71_action_it-seems-to-me-that-if-you-or-i-must-cho_158620.jpg) > ““It seems to me that if you or I must choose between two courses of thought or action, we should remember our dying and try so to live that our death brings no pleasure to the world.”” [John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-steinbeck/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. We should live so that our death does not bring joy to others, implying a life of responsibility and humility. **In simple terms:** Live responsibly so death isn’t a cause for celebration. Key Takeaway Act with integrity to avoid harming others even after death. Themes mortality ethics responsibility Mood somber reflective Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - end‑of‑life planning - ethical decision‑making - personal reflection Key Concepts legacy humility existentialism Questions to Reflect On - How does your daily conduct affect your legacy? - What does it mean to die without causing pleasure? 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