Justice Quote by Sheri S. Tepper
““When one’s world was impermanent, difficult endeavors, like procuring justice or balancing the ecology, need never be attempted. One need only make contributions to the ascendant hierarchy, cast one’s eyes heavenward with an awed and anticipatory expression, while continuing to behave as selfishly as one liked. When everything is going to go pop, one needn’t bother to provide for or preserve for the grandchildren.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Gate to Women's Country by Sheri S. Tepper, 1988
If the world is fleeting and impossible tasks seem futile, focus on contributing to the prevailing order and pursue personal desires without concern for future generations.
In simple terms: Live for the present, ignore long‑term impact.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize immediate self‑interest.
Themes
impermanence
self‑interest
environmental ethics
Mood
cynical
detached
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- environmental policy
- family planning
- legacy projects
Key Concepts
nihilism
short‑termism
hierarchical loyalty
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think short‑termism harms collective well‑being?
- How can we balance personal freedom with responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Assumes a deterministic view that discourages stewardship.
![“[T]he scripture worshippers put the writings ahead of God. Instead of interpreting God's actions in nature, for example, they interpret nature in the light of the Scripture. Nature says the rock is billions of years old, but the book says different, so even though men wrote the book, and God made…” quote by Sheri S. Tepper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/102/sheri-s-tepper-8133_action_t-he-scripture-worshippers-put-the-writi_160608.jpg)
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
