Skip to content

Belief Quote by Orson Scott Card

“You think you’re annoyed because of Plikt’s arrogance, but that isn’t so. Plikt is not arrogant; she is merely precise. You are properly ashamed that you have not yet read Demosthenes’ history of your own people, and so in your shame you are annoyed at Plikt because she is not guilty of your sin.”…” quote by Orson Scott Card
Download Open image
““You think you’re annoyed because of Plikt’s arrogance, but that isn’t so. Plikt is not arrogant; she is merely precise. You are properly ashamed that you have not yet read Demosthenes’ history of your own people, and so in your shame you are annoyed at Plikt because she is not guilty of your sin.” “I thought speakers didn’t believe in sin,” said a sullen boy. Andrew smiled. “You believe in sin, Styrka, and you do things because of that belief. So sin is real in you, and knowing you, this speaker must believe in sin.””

Orson Scott Card

About This Quote

Source Book: Ender's Game, 1985

Precision can be mistaken for arrogance, revealing personal ignorance and misplaced shame.

In simple terms: Precision looks like arrogance when we are ignorant.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and own your ignorance.

Themes

humility selfawareness communication

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • reading history
  • self‑reflection
  • addressing criticism

Key Concepts

ego arrogance knowledge gaps

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does precision differ from arrogance?
  • What does your reaction reveal about you?
A Different Perspective

Arrogance may mask deeper insecurities.

2.3 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Orson Scott Card

Explore all 1,158 Orson Scott Card quotes

More Belief quotes

Browse all 10,268 Belief quotes