--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: …the trouble with oaths of the form…" description: "\"“…the trouble with oaths of the form, death before dishonor , is that eventually, given enough time and abrasion, they separate the world into two sort..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ab/lois-mcmaster-bujold-716_death_the-trouble-with-oaths-of-the-form-death_3031682.jpg" --- # …the trouble with oaths of the form, death before dishonor… ![“…the trouble with oaths of the form, death before dishonor , is that eventually, given enough time and abrasion, they separate the world into two sorts of people: the dead, and the forsworn.” quote by Lois McMaster Bujold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ab/lois-mcmaster-bujold-716_death_the-trouble-with-oaths-of-the-form-death_3031682.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ab/lois-mcmaster-bujold-716_death_the-trouble-with-oaths-of-the-form-death_3031682.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ab/lois-mcmaster-bujold-716_death_the-trouble-with-oaths-of-the-form-death_3031682.jpg) > ““…the trouble with oaths of the form, death before dishonor , is that eventually, given enough time and abrasion, they separate the world into two sorts of people: the dead, and the forsworn.”” [Lois McMaster Bujold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lois-mcmaster-bujold/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Notes that oaths like “death before dishonor” eventually split people into the dead and those who break them. **In simple terms:** Oaths can divide people into two groups. Key Takeaway Question the absoluteness of oaths. Themes honor betrayal morality Mood thoughtful serious Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - military service - personal vows - political pledges Key Concepts ethical relativism commitment Questions to Reflect On - What oaths feel outdated? - How do you reconcile honor with survival? A Different Perspective May overlook nuanced motivations. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Death](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/death/) [Oaths](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/oaths/) [The-dead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/the-dead/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [“Stop a minute, Ambrose!" interrupted Master Nathaniel. 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I’m not afraid to look at the dead. For when the dead come they have as much right to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rainer-maria-rilke/come-here-into-the-candlelight-i-m-not-afraid-to-look-at-the-dead-for/) [Rainer Maria Rilke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rainer-maria-rilke/) ## More by Lois McMaster Bujold > [What you are is a question only you can answer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lois-mcmaster-bujold/what-you-are-is-a-question-only-you-can-answer/) [Lois McMaster Bujold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lois-mcmaster-bujold/) > [Never do yourself, what you can con professionals into doing for you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lois-mcmaster-bujold/never-do-yourself-what-you-can-con-professionals-into-doing-for-you/) [Lois McMaster Bujold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lois-mcmaster-bujold/) > [“It reminded him of that definition of his father's. A weapon is a device for making your enemy change his mind. 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