The quote from Orson Scott Card's "Speaker for the Dead" presents a metaphor about the human body and its connection to life. It describes bones as seemingly lifeless and rigid, yet they play a crucial role in supporting the body's movement and function. This imagery suggests that even what appears to be unyielding or inactive is essential for life, as the bones provide a framework that enables dynamic actions.

This perspective invites reflection on the interplay between structure and vitality. While the skeleton may appear dead and stony, it is through its integration with the living components of the body that life is expressed. Thus, the quote underscores that the foundation of our existence, though seemingly inert, is indispensable for the manifestation of life's motions and experiences.