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Computers Quote by Barry Eisler

“Avoiding the facility’s tangle of Life Cycles and Cybex machines, he had focused instead on a series of punches, blocks, and kicks to the air that, to the uninitiated, might have looked like some kind of martial dance routine. Actually, his moves were good—smooth, practiced, and powerful. They…” quote by Barry Eisler
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““Avoiding the facility’s tangle of Life Cycles and Cybex machines, he had focused instead on a series of punches, blocks, and kicks to the air that, to the uninitiated, might have looked like some kind of martial dance routine. Actually, his moves were good—smooth, practiced, and powerful. They would have been impressive in any twenty-year-old, but this guy looked at least twice that. I do some similar solo exercises myself, from time to time, although nothing so formal and stylized. And when I do work out this way, I don’t do it in public. It draws too much attention, especially from someone who knows what to look for. Someone like me. In my line of work, drawing attention is a serious violation of the laws of common sense, and therefore of survival. Because if someone notices you for one thing, he’ll be inclined to look more closely, at which point he might notice something else. A pattern, which would have remained quietly hidden, might then begin to emerge, after which your cloak of anonymity will be methodically pulled apart, probably to be rewoven into something more closely resembling a shroud.””

Barry Eisler

About This Quote

Source Novel: "The Last Assassin" by Barry Eisler, 2015

The protagonist uses solitary, covert training to maintain anonymity and avoid detection.

In simple terms: Secret training protects identity.

Key Takeaway

Practice discreetly to stay unnoticed.

Themes

stealth self-discipline survival identity

Mood

cautious strategic

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal security
  • solo workouts
  • espionage training

Key Concepts

covert operations martial arts risk management

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you train without attracting attention?
  • What routines balance effectiveness and secrecy?
A Different Perspective

Public displays can expose vulnerabilities.

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