Small gestures Quote by Joe Abercrombie
““Still, Logen had won over tougher audiences, in his time. Threetrees, Tul Duru, Black Dow, Harding Grim, he’d fought each one in single combat, and beaten them all. Spared each man’s life, and left him bound to follow. Each one had tried their best to kill him, and with good reasons too, but in the end Logen had earned their trust, and their respect, and their friendship even. Small gestures and a lot of time, that was how he’d done it. ‘Patience is the chief of virtues,’ his father used to say, and ‘you won’t cross the mountains in a day.’ Time might be against them, but there was nothing to be gained by rushing. You have to be realistic about these things. Logen””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The First Law Trilogy, 2006
Logen earns enemies’ trust through patience, restraint, and consistent respect, showing that lasting bonds form over time, not through force.
In simple terms: Patience builds trust and respect.
Key Takeaway
Earn respect by acting consistently and patiently.
Themes
patience
trust
leadership
conflict resolution
relationships
Mood
reflective
steady
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- team building
- negotiations
- conflict mediation
- leadership training
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
social capital
long‑term strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you apply patience in a high‑stakes negotiation?
- What small actions can you take daily to build trust?
A Different Perspective
Rushing can damage trust and lead to superficial alliances.
