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He coiled himself neatly and waited without fidgeting, as…

“He coiled himself neatly and waited without fidgeting, as was polite; but at length, when Majestatis showed no signs of waking—after ten minutes, or perhaps five—very nearly five—Temeraire coughed; then he coughed again, a little more emphatically, and Majestatis sighed and said, without opening…” quote by Naomi Novik
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““He coiled himself neatly and waited without fidgeting, as was polite; but at length, when Majestatis showed no signs of waking—after ten minutes, or perhaps five—very nearly five—Temeraire coughed; then he coughed again, a little more emphatically, and Majestatis sighed and said, without opening his eyes, “So you are not leaving, I suppose?” “Oh,” Temeraire said, his ruff prickling, “I thought you were only sleeping, not ignoring me deliberately; I will go at once.” “Well, you might as well stay now ,” Majestatis said, lifting his head and yawning himself away. “I don’t bother to wake up if it isn’t important enough to wait for, that’s all.””

Naomi Novik

About This Quote

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

Patience and humility are vital; even powerful beings may ignore you if you seem insignificant.

In simple terms: Even the mighty may overlook you.

Key Takeaway

Be persistent yet respectful of others’ time.

Themes

patience humility communication power dynamics

Mood

thoughtful calm strategic

Type

literary conversational

When to use this quote

  • workplace negotiations
  • creative collaborations
  • mentor relationships
  • conflict resolution
  • waiting for response

Key Concepts

mythic archetypes interpersonal etiquette authority

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you follow up versus wait?
  • How do you balance persistence with respect?
A Different Perspective

Assuming silence means disinterest can waste opportunities.

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