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Never wound a foe when you can kill him. Dead men don’t…

“Never wound a foe when you can kill him. Dead men don’t claim vengeance.” quote by George R.R. Martin
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““Never wound a foe when you can kill him. Dead men don’t claim vengeance.””

George R.R. Martin

About This Quote

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

It is wiser to kill a foe outright than to wound him, as the wounded may seek revenge.

In simple terms: Kill outright to avoid future vengeance.

Key Takeaway

Choose decisive action to prevent retaliation.

Themes

violence strategy revenge

Mood

cautionary strategic

Type

fiction political

When to use this quote

  • conflict resolution
  • military tactics
  • personal disputes

Key Concepts

ethics realpolitik

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is killing ever justified to prevent future harm?
  • What are alternatives to lethal force?
A Different Perspective

Decisive killing can create moral and political fallout.

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