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But… all I said was that I was scared." After what you got…

“But… all I said was that I was scared." After what you got to experience? That's smart, kid," I said. "I'm scared, too. Every time something like this happens, it scares me. But being strong doesn't get you through. Being smart does. I've beaten people and things who were stronger than I was…” quote by Jim Butcher
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““But… all I said was that I was scared." After what you got to experience? That's smart, kid," I said. "I'm scared, too. Every time something like this happens, it scares me. But being strong doesn't get you through. Being smart does. I've beaten people and things who were stronger than I was, because they didn't use their heads, or because I used what I had better than they did. It isn't about muscle, kiddo, magical or otherwise. It's about your attitude. About your mind." She nodded slowly and said, "About doing things for the right reasons." You don't throw down like this just because you're strong enough to do it," I said. "You do it because you don't have much choice. You do it because it's unacceptable to walk away, and still live with yourself later." She stared at me for a second, and then her eyes widened. "Otherwise, you're using power for the sake of using power." I nodded. "And power tends to corrupt. It isn't hard to love using it, Molly. You've got to go in with the right attitude or…" Or the power starts using you," she said. She'd heard the argument before, but this was the first time she said the words slowly, thoughtfully, as if she'd actually understood them, instead of just parroting them back to me. Then she looked up. "That's why you do it. Why you help people. You're using the power for someone other than yourself.””

Jim Butcher

About This Quote

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

Strength comes from mindset and purpose, not just physical power; using power responsibly requires right motives and intellect.

In simple terms: Power is about attitude and intention, not muscle.

Key Takeaway

Act with purpose, not just force.

Themes

responsibility power mindset ethics

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • conflict resolution
  • personal growth
  • team leadership
  • ethical decision making

Key Concepts

moral philosophy psychology leadership

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motives guide your use of influence?
  • How can you ensure power serves others?
A Different Perspective

Power can corrupt if used without self‑awareness.

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