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And when the Old Man wished to kill someone, he would take…

“And when the Old Man wished to kill someone, he would take him and say: "Go and do this thing. I do this because I want to make you return to paradise." And the assassins go and perform the deed willingly.” quote by Marco Polo
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“And when the Old Man wished to kill someone, he would take him and say: "Go and do this thing. I do this because I want to make you return to paradise." And the assassins go and perform the deed willingly.”

Marco Polo

About This Quote

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

A ruler orders assassins, claiming the act will return the victim to paradise, and the assassins comply willingly.

In simple terms: Killings are justified as a path to paradise, and killers accept it.

Key Takeaway

Question moral justifications of violence.

Themes

power religion morality politics

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical historical

When to use this quote

  • political intrigue
  • religious doctrine
  • military orders

Key Concepts

divine justification obedience ethical paradox

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does belief in afterlife affect violent orders?
  • What psychological mechanisms enable compliance?
A Different Perspective

Justifications can be manipulated for control.

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