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Living in the modern age, death for virtue is the wage. So…

“Living in the modern age, death for virtue is the wage. So it seems in darker hours. Evil wins, kindness cowers. Ruled by violence and vice we all stand upon thin ice. Are we brave or are we mice, here upon such thin, thin ice? Dare we linger, dare we skate? Dare we laugh or celebrate, knowing we…” quote by Dean Koontz
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“Living in the modern age, death for virtue is the wage. So it seems in darker hours. Evil wins, kindness cowers. Ruled by violence and vice we all stand upon thin ice. Are we brave or are we mice, here upon such thin, thin ice? Dare we linger, dare we skate? Dare we laugh or celebrate, knowing we may strain the ice? Preserve the ice at any price?”

Dean Koontz

About This Quote

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

The passage portrays a world where moral decay and fear dominate, urging courage despite precarious conditions.

In simple terms: Society feels unsafe and morally weakened, demanding bravery.

Key Takeaway

Choose courage over fear in uncertain times.

Themes

morality fear courage societal decay existential risk

Mood

tense philosophical hopeful

Type

inspirational reflective

When to use this quote

  • political activism
  • personal decision making
  • community building
  • risk management

Key Concepts

Ethical dilemmas psychological resilience collective anxiety

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does true bravery look like in a morally ambiguous world?
  • How can societies rebuild trust amid pervasive fear?
A Different Perspective

Optimism may be unrealistic if structural change is ignored.

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