And enough for me that when my hand touched your shoulder, you leaned on me; and when you felt me slip away, you called my name.
Orson Scott CardRead
Humanity does not ask to be happy.It merely asks us to be brilliant on its behalf. Survival first, and then happiness as we can manage it... Take what pleasure you can in the interstices of your work, , but your work is first, learning first, winning is everything because without it there is nothing.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of hard work and prioritizing responsibilities over personal happiness.
Orson Scott Card's quote suggests that humanity's primary concern isn't happiness but rather the dedication and brilliance we bring to our work and responsibilities. It conveys that survival and fulfillment come from prioritizing work, learning, and success. Only after fulfilling these obligations can one then seek moments of joy and pleasure amidst the busyness of life.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming challenges, one could quote Card to inspire diligence.
And enough for me that when my hand touched your shoulder, you leaned on me; and when you felt me slip away, you called my name.
The world is always a democracy in times of flux, and the man with the best voice will win.
Never mind that the story had turned out to be lies and foolishness—there was always folks stupid enough to say, Where there's smoke there's fire, when the saying should have been, Where there's scandalous lies there's always malicious believers and spreaders-around, regardless of evidence.
The lives of all people flow through time, and, regardless of how brutal one moment may be, how filled with grief or pain or fear, time flows through all lives equally.
You take a step, then another. That's the journey. But to take a step with your eyes open is not a journey at all, it's a remaking of your own mind.
I've had your tears with mine, and you've had mine with yours. I think that's more intimate even than a kiss.
I swam underwater for 50 meters at a time and walked the length of the pool underwater, with a brick in each hand, all on a single breath.
Gird up your loins for the task that now lies ahead. I had asked you for men, money and materials. I have got them in generous measure. Now I demand more of you. Men, money and materials cannot by themselves bring victory or freedom. We must have the motive-power that will inspire us to brave deeds and heroic exploits.
Are you going to let the obstacles in your life be stumbling blocks or stepping stones? Choose the positive. You are the master of your attitude.
But keep on working and hoping still. For in spite of the grumblers who stand about, somehow, it seems, all things work out.
People will tell you that writing is too difficult, that it's impossible to get your work published, that you might as well hang yourself. Meanwhile, they'll keep writing and you'll have hanged yourself.
There is nothing more stimulating than a case where everything goes against you.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.