---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The wise ones called council. We cannot…"
description: "\"“The wise ones called council. We cannot remain passive. The whites must be driven out. Now is the right time, while they are at war amongst themselves..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/21f/catherine-anderson-308_right-time_the-wise-ones-called-council-we-cannot-r_120099.jpg"
---

#  The wise ones called council. We cannot remain passive…

![“The wise ones called council. We cannot remain passive. The whites must be driven out. Now is the right time, while they are at war amongst themselves. Their soldiers are away. They’re defenseless. The People must strike.” Red Buffalo’s sobbing quieted. “But Hunter, that is exactly what you feared…” quote by Catherine Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/21f/catherine-anderson-308_right-time_the-wise-ones-called-council-we-cannot-r_120099.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/21f/catherine-anderson-308_right-time_the-wise-ones-called-council-we-cannot-r_120099.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/21f/catherine-anderson-308_right-time_the-wise-ones-called-council-we-cannot-r_120099.jpg)

> ““The wise ones called council. We cannot remain passive. The whites must be driven out. Now is the right time, while they are at war amongst themselves. Their soldiers are away. They’re defenseless. The People must strike.” Red Buffalo’s sobbing quieted. “But Hunter, that is exactly what you feared might happen. What about survival through peace?” “It’s too late for that.” A heavy ache centered itself in Hunter’s chest. “I am a dreamer, Red Buffalo. The land is like a single bone between a pair of starving dogs. There is enough for only one. Peace will never come, never. You were right all along, and I was too blind to see it.” “But your woman! She’s a tosi. You speak of driving them out. What of her?” Hunter started to speak, couldn’t. He took another deep breath and tried again, his voice strained. “I will protect her as best I can. The others have agreed not to attack her wooden walls. A messenger has already left to tell some other bands of today’s attack and our decision to make war. He will also pass the word about my tosi woman.” “You aren’t going to get her? She’s your wife. Her place is beside you.” “A man cannot own a woman, cousin. He can only…” Hunter’s words trailed off. A picture of Loretta’s face flashed in his mind. “He can only love her. The blood of the tosi tivo will flow bridle high. To force her to stay with us while we slaughter her people would be torture. Before this is over, my name will be a curse upon her lips.””

[Catherine Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherine-anderson/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A leader argues that war is inevitable because the enemy is divided and defenseless, while another urges peace and protection of loved ones, highlighting the moral conflict between survival and compassion.

**In simple terms:** War versus peace dilemma amid personal stakes.

Key Takeaway

Survival choices often clash with ethical responsibilities.

Themes

War Peace Moral conflict Survival Love

Mood

Tense Desperate Reflective

Type

Narrative dialogue Philosophical reflection

When to use this quote

- Tribal warfare
- Political coups
- Family protection in war
- Negotiations during civil unrest

Key Concepts

Ethical relativism Human cost of conflict

Practical Applications

- Seek diplomatic channels before violence
- Protect noncombatants regardless of conflict

Questions to Reflect On

- When does fighting become morally necessary?
- Can peace be achieved without sacrifice?

A Different Perspective

War may be justified only if it prevents greater long‑term oppression, but it can also perpetuate cycles of violence.

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