Blow Quote by Orson Scott Card
“The Buggers have finally, finally learned that we humans value each and every individual human life... But they've learned this lesson just in time for it to be hopelessly wrong—for we humans do, when the cause is sufficient, spend our own lives. We throw ourselves onto the grenade to save our buddies in the foxhole. We rise out of the trenches and charge the entrenched enemy and die like maggots under a blowtorch. We strap bombs on our bodies and blow ourselves up in the midst of our enemies. We are, when the cause is sufficient, insane.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, 1985
Humans willingly sacrifice themselves for causes they deem worthy, showing both bravery and the madness of extreme devotion.
In simple terms: People die for causes they believe in, showing bravery and madness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the line between noble sacrifice and reckless self‑destruction.
Themes
sacrifice
heroism
madness
war
morality
Mood
conflicted
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- combat
- political activism
- civil rights movements
- self‑sacrifice rituals
- military training
Key Concepts
Altruism
extremism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What causes justify self‑sacrifice?
- When does sacrifice become self‑destruction?
A Different Perspective
Such sacrifice can be exploited by leaders to manipulate masses.
