The thing to recall about Dragons is that it takes a…
““The thing to recall about Dragons is that it takes a special person to deal with them at all. If you lie to them they will steal from you. If you attack them without cause they will dismember you. If you run from them they will laugh at you. It is thus best to deal calmly, openly and fairly with Dragons: Give them all they buy and no more or less, and they will do the same by you. Stand at their back and they will stand at yours. Always remember that a Dragon is first a Dragon and only then a friend, a partner, a lover. Never assume that you have discovered a Dragon's weak point until it is dead and forgotten, for joy is fleeting and a Dragon's revenge is forever.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Treat powerful entities with respect, honesty, and fairness; deceit or aggression invites retaliation, while balanced partnership yields mutual benefit.
In simple terms: Deal fairly with powerful forces.
Key Takeaway
Respect and balance dealings with power.
Themes
respect
trust
power dynamics
relationships
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- political alliances
- personal relationships
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
mutual reciprocity
ethical negotiation
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure fairness when dealing with powerful partners?
- What signs indicate a partnership is becoming exploitative?
A Different Perspective
Assumes dragons are literal; metaphorical may be over‑generalized.