Animal Quote by Robin Hobb
““Not babies perhaps. But I know about young things. Foals, puppies, calves, piglets. Even hunting cats. I know if you want them to trust you, you touch them when they are small. Gently, but firmly, so they believe in your strength, too. You don't shout at them, or make sudden moves that look threatening. You give them good feed and clean water, and keep them clean and give them shelter from the weather. You don't take out your temper on them, or confuse punishment with discipline.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb, 1995-1997
Trust is built through gentle, consistent care and clear boundaries, not aggression or fear.
In simple terms: Gentle care builds trust.
Treat others with calm firmness.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parenting
- animal training
- team management
- mentoring
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance firmness with empathy?
- When is firm discipline appropriate?
Aggressive tactics can sometimes be necessary in crisis situations.