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As his people positioned themselves in and around the…

“As his people positioned themselves in and around the pass, Arin though that he might have misunderstood the Valorian addiction to war. He had assumed it was spurred by greed. By a savage sense of superiority. It had never occurred to him that Valorians also went to war because of love. Arin loved…” quote by Marie Rutkoski
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““As his people positioned themselves in and around the pass, Arin though that he might have misunderstood the Valorian addiction to war. He had assumed it was spurred by greed. By a savage sense of superiority. It had never occurred to him that Valorians also went to war because of love. Arin loved those hours of waiting. The silent, brilliant tension, like scribbles of heat lightning. His city far below and behind him, his hand on a cannon's curve, ears open to the acoustics of the pass. He stared into it, and even though he smelled the reek of fear from men and women around him, he was caught in a kind of wonder.He felt so vibrant. As if his life was fresh, translucent, thin-skinned fruit. It could be sliced apart and he wouldn't care. Nothing felt like this. ””

Marie Rutkoski

About This Quote

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

Arin discovers that war can be driven by love and awe, not just greed or superiority, revealing a complex emotional motive behind conflict.

In simple terms: War can stem from love and wonder, not just greed.

Key Takeaway

Recognize hidden emotions behind actions.

Themes

war love wonder motivation conflict

Mood

introspective poetic thoughtful

Type

literary reflective philosophical

When to use this quote

  • military leadership
  • strategic planning
  • personal reflection
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

psychology human nature emotional complexity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotions drive your toughest decisions?
  • How can love influence conflict resolution?
A Different Perspective

Overlooks practical constraints of war logistics.

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