"A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will never sit"

This quote by D. Elton Trueblood speaks to the concept that life is about more than simply ourselves. It suggests that the significance of life is discovered in the actions we take to benefit others, even if we will never ever straight take advantage of them. Trueblood is suggesting that by planting shade trees, a male is taking an action that will benefit others, even if he will never ever sit under the trees himself. This action is a start in finding the significance of life, as it shows that the man wants to put the needs of others prior to his own. This quote motivates us to believe beyond ourselves and to act that will benefit others, even if we will never directly benefit from them. It is a suggestion that life has to do with more than just ourselves which we can find significance in helping others.