Chapter 18 (p. 169)
“
In order to get what we've got, Anita, we have, in effect, traded these people out of what was the most important thing on earth to them — the feeling of being needed and useful, the foundation of self-respect.
— Kurt Vonnegut
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "In order to get what we've got, Anita, we have, in effect, traded these people out of what was the most important thing on earth to them — the feeling of being needed and useful, the foundation of self-respect." in the context of "Chapter 18 (p. 169)" to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Kurt Vonnegut" (Quotes, Player Piano (1952): All page numbers from the mass market paperback edition published by Avon (Bard Books) )
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (11 November 1922 – 11 April 2007) was an American novelist known for works blending satire, black comedy, and science fiction.
About Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (11 November 1922 – 11 April 2007) was an American novelist known for works blending satire, black comedy, and science fiction.
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