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Change the world Quote by Robin Hobb

“He shook his head pityingly. “This, more than anything else, is what I have never understood about your people. You can roll dice, and understand that the whole game may hinge on one turn of a die. You deal out cards, and say that all a man's fortune for the night may turn upon one hand. But a…” quote by Robin Hobb
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““He shook his head pityingly. “This, more than anything else, is what I have never understood about your people. You can roll dice, and understand that the whole game may hinge on one turn of a die. You deal out cards, and say that all a man's fortune for the night may turn upon one hand. But a man's whole life, you sniff at, and say, what, this naught of a human, this fisherman, this carpenter, this thief, this cook, why, what can they do in the great wide world? And so you putter and sputter your lives away, like candles burning in a draft.” “Not all men are destined for greatness,” I reminded him. “Are you sure, Fitz? Are you sure? What good is a life lived as if it made no difference at all to the great life of the world? A sadder thing I cannot imagine. Why should not a mother say to herself, if I raise this child aright, if I love and care for her, she shall live a life that brings joy to those about her, and thus I have changed the world? Why should not the farmer that plants a seed say to his neighbor, this seed I plant today will feed someone, and that is how I change the world today?” “This is philosophy, Fool. I have never had time to study such things.” “No, Fitz, this is life. And no one has time not to think of such things. Each creature in the world should consider this thing, every moment of the heart's beating. Otherwise, what is the point of arising each day?””

Robin Hobb

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb, 1995

Every individual’s small actions matter; dismissing ordinary lives ignores their collective impact on the world.

In simple terms: Small deeds shape the world.

Key Takeaway

Value everyday contributions.

Themes

purpose human dignity agency interconnectedness

Mood

hopeful inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • farming
  • craftsmanship
  • community service

Key Concepts

ethical existential social

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you measure the impact of your daily actions?
  • What small act could you do today to help others?
A Different Perspective

Not all lives are destined for greatness, yet each can be meaningful.

3.7 out of 5 (6 ratings)

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