Living proof Quote by George R.R. Martin
““An old septon once claimed I was living proof of the goodness of the gods. (...) Why, if the gods were cruel, they would have made me my mother’s firstborn, and Doran her third. I am a bloodthirsty man, you see. And it is me you must contend with now, not my patient, prudent, and gouty brother. -- Oberyn Martell””
About This Quote
Source Book: A Storm of Swords, George R.R. Martin, 2000
The speaker argues that if gods were cruel, they would have inflicted suffering on his own family, implying that his own cruelty is evidence of divine benevolence.
In simple terms: His suffering shows the gods are not cruel.
Key Takeaway
Question the nature of divine justice.
Themes
justice
divine will
family
cruelty
Mood
cynical
dramatic
Type
literary
character
When to use this quote
- political intrigue
- personal vendetta
- family dynamics
Key Concepts
theodicy
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Do personal tragedies prove divine kindness?
- Can cruelty be justified by belief?
A Different Perspective
The claim may be self‑serving rationalization rather than proof.
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