Communication Quote by Adrian Tchaikovsky
““ We couldn't trust them. They couldn't trust us. Mutual attempts at destruction are the only logical result . He thought of human dreams - both Old Empire and new - of contacting some extra-terrestrial intelligence such as nobody had ever truly encountered. Why? Why would we ever want to? We'd never be able to communicate, and even if we could, we'd still be those same two prisoners forced to trust - and risk - or to damn the other in trying to save slightly more of our own hides .””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Children of Time, Adrian Tchaikovsky, 2015
The quote reflects on mutual distrust and the inevitability of conflict when two parties are forced into a zero‑sum relationship, especially when confronting the unknown.
In simple terms: Mistrust leads to conflict when facing the unknown.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and break cycles of distrust.
Themes
trust
conflict
unknown
human nature
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
cautionary
When to use this quote
- political negotiations
- first contact scenarios
- team projects
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
mutual suspicion
zero‑sum dynamics
communication barriers
Questions to Reflect On
- What would change if both sides saw each other as allies?
- How can we build trust when communication seems impossible?
A Different Perspective
Even with mutual suspicion, cooperation can emerge if shared goals are emphasized.
![“I have taken on many Understandings in my life [...]. I have listened to another Messenger's incomprehensible signals in the night. The thing you call God is not even alone in the sky. It is a thing of metal that demands we make more things of metal - and I have seen it, how small it is.” quote by Adrian Tchaikovsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/80a/adrian-tchaikovsky-21498_alone_i-have-taken-on-many-understandings-in-m_1347667.jpg)
