Skip to content

What if they take you captive?” Goradel asked. “My dear…

“What if they take you captive?” Goradel asked. “My dear man,” Breeze said, leaning forward to look out at Goradel. “That’s why kings send ambassadors. This way, if someone gets captured, the king is still safe. We, my friend, are something Elend can never be: expendable.” Goradel frowned at that…” quote by Brandon Sanderson
Download Open image
““What if they take you captive?” Goradel asked. “My dear man,” Breeze said, leaning forward to look out at Goradel. “That’s why kings send ambassadors. This way, if someone gets captured, the king is still safe. We, my friend, are something Elend can never be: expendable.” Goradel frowned at that. “ I don’t feel very expendable.””

Brandon Sanderson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Kings protect themselves by making ambassadors expendable, unlike the expendable.

In simple terms: Kings keep themselves safe via expendable ambassadors.

Key Takeaway

Value your irreplaceable role.

Themes

power strategy value

Mood

strategic thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • diplomacy
  • team building
  • personal boundaries

Key Concepts

political theory leadership

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure you’re not expendable?
  • When is being expendable useful?
A Different Perspective

Expendability can be strategic; not always negative.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Brandon Sanderson

Explore all 1,238 Brandon Sanderson quotes

More Captive quotes

Browse all 138 Captive quotes