Oarbanks Shattered Quote by Alan Shapiro
““At first the wave of Persia’s fleet rolled firm, but next, as our ships jammed into the narrows and no one could help any other and our own bronze teeth bit into our own strakes, whole oarbanks shattered.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Sea of Cortez by John Steinbeck, 1941
A fleet’s initial strength can be undone when vessels become trapped together, causing mutual damage.
In simple terms: Ships stuck together can damage each other.
Key Takeaway
Avoid crowding and maintain maneuverability.
Themes
strategy
cooperation
risk
navigation
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
advisory
historical
When to use this quote
- naval battles
- traffic jams
- crowded markets
- team projects
Key Concepts
maritime warfare
collective vulnerability
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure cooperation without causing mutual harm?
- What systems prevent bottlenecks in tight spaces?
A Different Perspective
if coordination fails, collective effort can become self‑destructive.
![“[I would] rather discover one cause than gain the kingdom of Persia.” quote by Democritus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d4/democritus-4814_knowledge_i-would-rather-discover-one-cause-than-g_1655900.jpg)
