“Which of them, then, was more detestable? The one who was loathsome by nature, or the one who wanted to be loathsome but hadn't enough ambition to excel at it>”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
This quote by Orson Scott Card poses an intriguing question about the nature of detestable characters. It challenges the reader to consider whether someone who is inherently loathsome is worse than someone who actively tries to be detestable but fails to truly excel at it. The quote provokes thoughts on ambition, intention, and the essence of evil within individuals. It prompts us to contemplate whether it is better to be authentically detestable or merely aspire to be so.
Modern Relevance
Orson Scott Card's quote reflects on the idea of authenticity versus intention in terms of morality and character. In today's society, this can be seen in the phenomenon of performative activism or "virtue signaling", where individuals may espouse certain beliefs or values for social approval or to appear morally superior, rather than genuinely holding those beliefs. This quote challenges us to consider the authenticity of our actions and values, and raises important questions about the nature of morality and character.
Thought-provoking quote by Orson Scott Card
Here is an intriguing quote by Orson Scott Card that brings up the question of whether it is worse to be naturally loathsome or to actively strive to be detestable.
“Which of them, then, was more detestable? The one who was loathsome by nature, or the one who wanted to be loathsome but hadn't enough ambition to excel at it?” - Orson Scott Card
Reflection Questions:
In this thought-provoking quote by Orson Scott Card, the concept of detestability is examined through the comparison of two different individuals. Consider the following questions to reflect on the implications of this quote:
Have you ever encountered someone who seemed to embrace their detestability or negative traits? How did this make you feel?
Do you believe that it is worse to naturally possess detestable qualities or to actively pursue and cultivate them?
How does ambition play a role in defining one's level of detestability?
Can someone's detestability be overlooked or excused based on their intentions or lack of ambition?
Reflect on a time when you may have felt compelled to act in a detestable manner - what factors influenced your behavior and decision-making process?
Similar quotes
“The problem with elections is that anybody who wants an office badly enough to run for it probably shouldn’t have it. And anybody who does not want an office badly enough to run for it probably shouldn’t have it, either. Government office should be received like a child’s Christmas present, with surprise and delight. Instead it is usually received like a diploma, an anticlimax that never seems worth the struggle to earn it.”
“You were the one who threatened us with an Inquisitor," the Bishop reminded him. With a smile.The Speaker's smile was just as chilly. "And you're the one who told the people I was Satan and they shouldn't talk to me.”
“The criminal misuse of time was pointing out the mistakes. Catching them―noticing them―that was essential. If you did not in your own mind distinguish between useful and erroneous information, then you were not learning at all, you were merely replacing ignorance with false belief, which was no improvement. The part of the man's statement that was true, however, was about the uselessness of speaking up. If I know that the teacher is wrong, and say nothing, then I remain the only one who knows, and that gives me an advantage over those who believe the teacher.”
“Maybe she couldn't know who she was today. Maybe it was enough to know that she was no longer who she was before.”
“Death is not a tragedy to the one who dies; to have wasted the life before that death, that is the tragedy.”
“As a species, we have evolved to survive. And the way we do it is by straining and straining and, at last, every few generaitons, giving brith to genius. The one who invents the wheel. And light. And flight. The one who builds a city, a nation, an empire...I'll put it bluntly. Human beings are free excpet when humanity needs them. Maybe humanity needs you. To do something. Maybe humanity needs me - to find out what you're good for.”