The Human stared, then laughed shortly. “I suppose I have…
![“The Human stared, then laughed shortly. “I suppose I have gone on a bit. Tell your people that not all Humans want their territory, and endless rounds of gunboat diplomacy and saber-rattling.” [...] Krenn said, “If you wish, I will take that message. But there is something I ought to tell you. We…” quote by John M. Ford](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/3a7/john-m-ford-24552_message_the-human-stared-then-laughed-shortly-i_2695422.jpg)
““The Human stared, then laughed shortly. “I suppose I have gone on a bit. Tell your people that not all Humans want their territory, and endless rounds of gunboat diplomacy and saber-rattling.” [...] Krenn said, “If you wish, I will take that message. But there is something I ought to tell you. We have a word, komerex: your translator has probably told you it means ‘Empire,’ but what it means truly is ‘the structure that grows.’ It has an opposite, khesterex: ‘the structure that dies.’ We are taught—by those you wish to receive your story—that there are no other cultures than these. And in my years as a Captain, I have seen nothing to indicate that my teaching was wrong. There are only Empires…and kuve.” Krenn saw Grandisson’s long jaw go slack; he knew how the Human’s machine had translated the last word. “And this is the change you say you wish to make in yourselves…. “So, yes, Mr. Grandisson, if you wish I will take your message. But I tell you now: there are none Klingon who will believe it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker warns that humans view empires as the only viable structure, ignoring the possibility of decline and alternative cultures, and doubts that outsiders will accept this view.
In simple terms: Humans see only empire and death, not other cultures.
Key Takeaway
Recognize multiple cultural paths beyond empire.
Themes
culture
imperialism
communication
skepticism
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
dialogue
When to use this quote
- interstellar diplomacy
- cultural exchange
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
anthropology
political theory
translation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we broaden our view of possible societies?
- What evidence challenges the empire‑only narrative?
A Different Perspective
Human bias may blind them to other viable societal models.