The big story

“‘So we conceive of ourselves and everyone around us as volitional beings. We treat everyone as if they did things with a purpose in mind, instead of because they’re being pushed from behind. We punish criminals. We reward altruists. We plan things and build things together. We make promises and expect each other to keep them. It’s all a made-up story, but when everybody believes that everybody’s actions are the result of choice, and takes and gives responsibility accordingly, the result is civilization’
‘Just a story.’
– Chapter 13, Free Will

“‘I’ll tell you what I think,’ said Wiggin. ‘I think you don’t grow up until you stop worrying about other people’s purpose or lack of them and find the purposes you believe in for yourself.’
– Chapter 14, Virus Makers

Both from book 3 of the Ender Saga – Xenocide. So good.

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