If we cannot defeat the assassin, then we must remove his…
““If we cannot defeat the assassin, then we must remove his reason for attacking. If we can capture or eliminate his employers, then perhaps we can invalidate whatever contract binds him. Last we knew, he was employed by the Parshendi.” “Great,” Ruthar said dryly. “All we have to do is win the war, which we’ve only been trying to do for five years.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Defeating an enemy may require removing their motives or dismantling their support network, not just direct confrontation.
In simple terms: Target the cause, not just the fighter.
Key Takeaway
Focus on undermining the enemy’s foundations.
Themes
strategy
conflict
motivation
politics
Mood
strategic
ethical
Type
analysis
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military planning
- political negotiation
- conflict resolution
- ethical warfare
Key Concepts
enemy motives
contractual obligations
war tactics
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the moral implications of targeting motives?
- How can one ensure the enemy’s cause is truly invalidated?
A Different Perspective
Removing motives may be ethically complex and hard to verify.