Karsa shrugged. ‘The Malazan soldiers in Genabaris said…
““Karsa shrugged. ‘The Malazan soldiers in Genabaris said the Seven Cities was going to rebel against their occupiers. This is why the Teblor do not make conquests. Better that the enemy keeps its land, so that we may raid again and again.’ ‘Not the imperial way,’ the Daru responded, shaking his head. ‘Possession and control, the two are like insatiable hungers for some people. Oh, no doubt the Malazans have thought up countless justifications for their wars of expansion. It’s well known that Seven Cities was a rat’s warren of feuds and civil wars, leaving most of the population suffering and miserable and starving under the heels of fat warlords and corrupt priest-kings. And that, with the Malazan conquest, the thugs ended up spiked to the city walls or on the run. And the wilder tribes no longer sweep down out of the hills to deliver mayhem on their more civilized kin. And the tyranny of the priesthoods was shattered, putting an end to human sacrifice and extortion. And of course the merchants have never been richer, or safer on these roads. So, all in all, this land is rife for rebellion.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage critiques imperial conquest, arguing that constant raids are preferable to occupying and ruling lands, which breeds rebellion and suffering.
In simple terms: War is better as raids than occupation.
Key Takeaway
Avoid permanent domination; favor limited engagement.
Themes
imperialism
war
rebellion
control
raiding
Mood
critical
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
political
historical
When to use this quote
- military strategy
- political policy
- historical analysis
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
political philosophy
colonial critique
ethical dilemma
Questions to Reflect On
- Is limited raiding truly less harmful than governance?
- Can a society thrive without any form of control?
A Different Perspective
Occupation creates long‑term instability and human cost.