The quote from Orson Scott Card's "Shadow of the Hegemon" emphasizes the perspective on death. It suggests that death itself is not the tragedy for the individual who passes away; instead, it is the waste of life leading up to that moment that constitutes true loss. This highlights the importance of how one lives their life and the experiences and opportunities that are embraced or neglected before the end comes.

The idea conveyed is that life should be lived fully and meaningfully. Regrets about a life not lived to its fullest can overshadow the inevitable reality of death. Therefore, the focus should be on making choices that enrich one’s life, rather than merely avoiding the concept of death. Ultimately, the message encourages individuals to reflect on their lives and strive to find purpose and fulfillment in their daily existence.