Mutual aid Quote by Philip Pullman
““Perhaps we don’t mean the same thing by choice, Mr. Scoresby. Witches own nothing, so we’re not interested in preserving value or making profits, and as for the choice between one thing and another, when you live for many hundreds of years, you know that every opportunity will come again. We have different needs. You have to repair your balloon and keep it in good condition, and that takes time and trouble, I see that; but for us to fly, all we have to do is tear off a branch of cloud-pine; any will do, and there are plenty more. We don’t feel cold, so we need no warm clothes. We have no means of exchange apart from mutual aid. If a witch needs something, another witch will give it to her. If there is a war to be fought, we don’t consider cost one of the factors in deciding whether or not it is right to fight. Nor do we have any notion of honor, as bears do, for instance. An insult to a bear is a deadly thing. To us... inconceivable. How could you insult a witch? What would it matter if you did?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Subtle Knife, His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman, 1997
Witches view choice and value as fluid, relying on mutual aid rather than profit or honor, and they see conflict without cost or insult as irrelevant.
In simple terms: Witches see choice as flexible and value mutual aid over profit.
Key Takeaway
Embrace cooperation and flexible values over rigid profit motives.
Themes
cooperation
flexibility
value systems
conflict
honor
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
speculative
Type
philosophical
literary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- community building
- resource sharing
- conflict resolution
- ethical decision making
- cultural exchange
Key Concepts
mutual aid
non‑materialism
long‑term perspective
Questions to Reflect On
- How would a society based on profit respond to mutual aid?
- Can flexibility replace honor in diplomacy?
A Different Perspective
Witches’ lack of concept of honor may limit their ability to negotiate with societies that prioritize reputation.
