Fear Quote by Barry Eisler
““After all, killing is the ultimate expression of hatred and fear, as sex is the ultimate expression of romantic love and desire. And, as with sex, killing a stranger who has otherwise provoked no emotion is inherently unnatural. I suppose you could say that a man who kills a stranger is not unlike a woman who has sex under analogous circumstances. That a man who is paid to kill is like a woman who is paid to fuck. Certainly the man is subject to the same reluctance, the same numbing, the same regrets. The same damage to the soul.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Killing Game, 2013
Killing and sex are portrayed as extreme, opposite expressions of fear/hate and love/desire; both can feel unnatural and cause deep remorse, especially when performed for pay.
In simple terms: Killing and sex are extreme acts that can feel wrong and cause regret, especially when done for money.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the moral weight of violent or exploitative actions.
Themes
ethics
violence
desire
remorse
Mood
thought‑provoking
serious
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- military service
- sex work
- personal guilt
- societal norms
Key Concepts
moral psychology
human nature
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives people to accept such roles?
- How does society shape our view of morality?
A Different Perspective
Complex societal factors influence judgments on these acts.
