Life Quote by Richard Adams
““My lord,' replied El-ahrairah, 'I have come to give you my life. My life for my people.' The Black Rabbit drew his claws along the floor. Bargains, bargains, El-ahrairah,' he said. 'There is not a day or a night but a doe offers her life for her kittens, or some honest captain of Owsla his life for his Chief Rabbit's. Sometimes it is taken, sometimes it is not. But there is no bargain, for here what is is what must be.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Watership Down by Richard Adams, 1972
Self‑sacrifice for the community is noble, yet outcomes are uncertain; true value lies in intent, not guarantee.
In simple terms: Giving life for others is noble, but results vary.
Key Takeaway
Act selflessly, accept uncertainty.
Themes
sacrifice
community
intent
Mood
empathetic
thoughtful
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- war
- family protection
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
altruism
uncertainty
ethical dilemma
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates true sacrifice?
- How do we handle uncertain outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Self‑sacrifice may not always achieve desired results.
![“Black Rabbit: Hazel... Hazel... you know me, don't you? Hazel: I don't know. [the apparition reveals himself to be the Black Rabbit, and Hazel gasps] Hazel: Yes, my lord. I know you. Black Rabbit: I've come to ask if you'd like to join my Owsla. We shall be glad to have you, and I know you'd like…” quote by Richard Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/29d/richard-adams-4326_feeling-tired_black-rabbit-hazel-hazel-you-know-me-don_323135.jpg)
