--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: For those who suffer disposal, the cost…" description: "\"“For those who suffer disposal, the cost is their very lives. For those of us who survive, there is a creeping indifference to anything other than one’..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/489/michael-d-o-brien-17161_identity_for-those-who-suffer-disposal-the-cost-i_350737.jpg" --- # For those who suffer disposal, the cost is their very… ![“For those who suffer disposal, the cost is their very lives. For those of us who survive, there is a creeping indifference to anything other than one’s own survival, which results in increased selfishness, hardness of heart, denial—which in the long range will bring about the devaluation of self…” quote by Michael D. O'Brien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/489/michael-d-o-brien-17161_identity_for-those-who-suffer-disposal-the-cost-i_350737.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/489/michael-d-o-brien-17161_identity_for-those-who-suffer-disposal-the-cost-i_350737.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/489/michael-d-o-brien-17161_identity_for-those-who-suffer-disposal-the-cost-i_350737.jpg) > ““For those who suffer disposal, the cost is their very lives. For those of us who survive, there is a creeping indifference to anything other than one’s own survival, which results in increased selfishness, hardness of heart, denial—which in the long range will bring about the devaluation of self. To counter this devaluation, therefore, one flees into pride of accomplishment. Isn’t what we do the defining measure of selfhood in our society?”” [Michael D. O'Brien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-d-o-brien/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Survivors of trauma may become self‑centered, using personal achievement to mask deeper self‑devaluation. **In simple terms:** Survival can breed selfishness and pride as a defense against feeling worthless. Key Takeaway Recognize and heal the inner loss before seeking external validation. Themes survival self‑devaluation pride compassion Mood reflective somber Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - therapy - support groups - personal development - community service Key Concepts psychology existentialism self‑concept Questions to Reflect On - How does personal achievement hide deeper wounds? - What practices foster genuine self‑compassion? A Different Perspective Self‑esteem issues may persist despite outward success. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity/) [Selfishness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/selfishness/) ## Related quotes > [You have now reached infatuation’s final destination—the complete and merciless devaluation of self.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-gilbert/you-have-now-reached-infatuation-s-final-destination-the-complete-and/) [Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-gilbert/) > [“So that's it. You have now reached infatuation's fial destination - the complete and merciless devaluation of self.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-gilbert/so-that-s-it-you-have-now-reached-infatuation-s-fial-destination-the/) [Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-gilbert/) > [Our world is drowning in a sea of self-centeredness. 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