Courtiers Quote by Frances Hardinge
““Some say the favor of the Grand Steward is double-edged. They are wrong. It is all edge, and everybody knows it, and still all the courtiers spend their every waking moment clutching at it and bleeding.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Goblin Emperor, 2011 (fiction)
The Grand Steward's favor is portrayed as a double‑edged sword, yet the narrator insists it is merely an edge, highlighting the relentless pursuit of power and the constant risk of being wounded by ambition.
In simple terms: Power is an edge that everyone clings to, risking harm.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the cost of chasing influence.
Themes
politics
ambition
risk
court life
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- court politics
- career advancement
- personal ambition
Key Concepts
power dynamics
human nature
danger
Questions to Reflect On
- What edges are you chasing?
- How do you protect yourself from the costs of ambition?
A Different Perspective
Blind pursuit can lead to self‑inflicted damage.
