"I would follow such beauty, said something inside Ender. I would see as those eyes see."
This quote from Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game encapsulates a profound moment of empathy and admiration within Ender Wiggin's character. The phrase reflects an internal pull towards something alluring, described here as "such beauty," prompting Ender to want to see the world through another's perspective. This is powerful because it shows a desire not just to observe, but to truly understand and to connect. It's an acknowledgment of the value and influence of perspective in human experience.
What's compelling here is how the quote expresses a transformative impulse — the internal voice urging Ender to step beyond himself, to embrace a vision informed by another's experiences and emotions. This act of following beauty signals more than physical attraction; it hints at a deeper appreciation for qualities that inspire, guide, or reveal unexpected truths. Additionally, it illustrates the human fascination with vision and perception, a recurring theme in the book as Ender often contemplates leadership, strategy, and morality.
Given Ender's journey as a child prodigy manipulated into warfare, this snippet resonates as a moment of clarity and innocence amid his turbulent experiences. It gently points to the idea that even in a world defined by conflict and survival, there remains a capacity for wonder, curiosity, and empathy. This internal dialogue also subtly foreshadows Ender’s growth into a character who learns to understand and empathize with the "other," including enemies, which is central to the narrative and its ethical underpinnings.