Giving up on heaven

For the sake of dignity on earth?

Annie Dillard, An American Childhood pg 109

I was too aware to do this, and had done it anyway. What could touch me now? For what were the people Penn Avenue to me, or what was I to myself, really, but a witness to any boldness I could muster, or any cowardice if it came to that, any giving up on heaven for the sake of dignity on earth? I had not seen a great deal accomplished in the name of dignity, ever.

Don’t give up on heaven for the sake of dignity on earth. Very little is ever accomplished in the name of dignity.