There is no society that does not highly value fictional storytelling. Ever.

Everyone dies. Everyone leaves. What matters is the things you build together before they go. What matters is the part of them that continues in you when they're gone.

If you try and lose then it isn't your fault. But if you don't try and we lose, then it's all your fault.

Oh, I'll live Ender's life, too. It's so much more interesting than my own." ~Val

Two sides of the same coin, but which side is which?

Dona Crista laughed a bit. "Oh, Pip, I'd be glad for you to try. But do believe me, my dear friend, touching her heart is like bathing in ice." I imagine. I imagine it feels like bathing in ice to the person touching her. But how does it feel to her? Cold as she is, it must surely burn like fire.

"We've devoted our lives to learning about them!" Miro said. Ender stopped. "Not from them."