At least one reason for trying to live lives that make a difference is that by so living, we hope we will not be forgotten by those who benefit from our trying to make a difference. Yet to try to insure we will not be forgotten too often results in desperate manipulative strategies that are doomed to fail.

This quote suggests that trying to make a difference in our lives gives us a sense of purpose. We want to be remembered and appreciated by the people that our actions help. However, when our desire to be remembered overwhelms us, we may resort to desperate tactics (trying to garner attention, manipulation, etc.) that are unlikely to be successful.