Children Quote by Jim Butcher
““...This is a place of learning where very few learn anything of value. That you, who have courage and intelligence, are held in contempt by most of your kind here because you have no sorcery... I have seen you protect others, though they consider you to be weaker than they. I have seen a very few decent people, like the boy we took from the tower. I have seen women trade pleasure for coin to feed their children, and others do the same so that they could ignore their children while making themselves foolish with wines and powders. I have seen men who labor as long as the sun is up go home to wives who hold them in contempt for never being there. I have seen men beat and use those whom they should protect, even their own children. I have seen your kind place others of their own in slavery. I have seen them fighting to be free of the same. I have seen men of the law betray it, men who hate the law be kind. I have seen gentle defenders, sadistic healers, creators of beauty scorned while craftsmen of destruction are worshiped. Your Kind, Aleran, are the most vicious and gentle, most savage and noble, most treacherous and loyal, most terrifying and fascinating creatures I have ever seen.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Dresden Files, Book 13 “Cold Days”, 2012
Observes the paradox of humanity: cruelty and kindness coexist, especially among those with power or marginal status.
In simple terms: People can be both cruel and kind.
Recognize complexity in others.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- family dynamics
- social work
- community activism
- education reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we nurture the gentle side in hostile environments?
Does focusing on extremes obscure everyday kindness?