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Family Quote by Orson Scott Card

“Will we be extinguished? What difference does it make then, the ones of us who had plans, what does it matter the work we’ve done? The children we’ve raised? He looked pointedly at Olhado. “What will it matter then, that you have such a big happy family, if you’re all erased in one instant by that…” quote by Orson Scott Card
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““Will we be extinguished? What difference does it make then, the ones of us who had plans, what does it matter the work we’ve done? The children we’ve raised? He looked pointedly at Olhado. “What will it matter then, that you have such a big happy family, if you’re all erased in one instant by that … bomb? “Not one moment of my life with my family has been wasted,” said Olhado quietly. “But the point of it is to go on, isn’t it? To connect with the future?” “That’s one part, yes,” said Olhado. “But part of the purpose of it is now, is the moment. And part of it is the web of connections. Links from soul to soul. If the purpose of life was just to continue into the future, then none of it would have meaning, because it would be all anticipation and preparation. There’s fruition, Grego. There’s the happiness we’ve already had. The happiness of each moment. The end of our lives, even if there’s no forward continuation, no progeny at all, the end of our lives doesn’t erase the beginning.””

Orson Scott Card

About This Quote

Source Novel: Ender’s Game, 1985

Life’s meaning lies in present connections and experiences, not just future legacy; each moment holds intrinsic value.

In simple terms: Value each moment, not just future goals.

Key Takeaway

Cherish present experiences and relationships.

Themes

meaning existence relationships

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • family gatherings
  • personal reflection
  • legacy planning
  • grief counseling

Key Concepts

existentialism human connection temporal perspective

Questions to Reflect On

  • What present moments do you cherish?
  • How do you balance present joy with future plans?
A Different Perspective

Future-oriented goals can still provide purpose.

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