“Why did we do all of that work in the first place? Why train us, encourage us, make us produce all of that? If we’re just going to give donations anyway, then die, why all those lessons? Why all those books and discussions?” (Ishiguro, 259)

Kathy is asking these questions about the importance of her actions at Hailsham but this priniciple also can be applied to the real world. It opens the door to discuss whether living your life well is worth it considering the inevitability of death. Should impending death diminish or augment ones will to live a great life. Madame and Miss Emily would advocate that although one is predestined for an early death, the need to acquire knowledge is not in vain.