I once wanted to save the world. Now I just want to leave the room with some dignity.

The line compresses a life-arc from youthful idealism to weary pragmatism. “Save the world” evokes grand, outward-facing ambition—moral, political, or artistic—while “leave the room with some dignity” narrows the goal to a small, immediate act of self-preservation. The humor is edged with melancholy: experience has taught the speaker that circumstances, institutions, or one’s own limitations can make sweeping change feel impossible, so the remaining aspiration is to maintain composure and self-respect in the face of disappointment. It can also be read as a critique of performative heroism, suggesting that dignity in everyday exits—knowing when and how to withdraw—may be a more honest form of wisdom than grandiose plans.