Cowardice Quote by Steven Erikson
““It is your cowardice that offends us, Warleader.’ ‘I refuse your challenge, Bakal. As I did that of Riggis, and as I will all others that come my way-until our return to our camp.’ ‘And once there? A hundred warriors shall vie to be first to spill your blood. A thousand. Do you imagine you can withstand them all?’ Tool was silent for a moment. ‘Bakal, have you seen me fight?’ The warrior bared his filed teeth. ‘None of us have. Again you evade my questions!’ ‘I have a question for you, Bakal.’ ‘Ah! Yes, ask it and hear how a Barghast answers what is asked of him!’ ‘Can the Senan afford to lose a thousand warriors?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Malazan Book of the Fallen, 2000s
A warrior challenges another, questioning the cost of endless conflict and the value of sacrifice.
In simple terms: War demands heavy sacrifices and tough questions.
Key Takeaway
Consider the true cost of war.
Themes
war
honor
challenge
consequence
Mood
grim
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
dramatic
When to use this quote
- battlefield decisions
- political negotiations
- strategic planning
Key Concepts
military ethics
leadership
valor
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true bravery look like?
- How do leaders justify massive loss?
A Different Perspective
War may glorify sacrifice without addressing loss.
![“[D]on't grow old. With age comes caution, which is another name for cowardice… Whatever else you do in life, don't cultivate a conscience. Without a conscience a man may never be said to grow old. This is an age of very old young men.” quote by Hesketh Pearson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/076/hesketh-pearson-35291_age_d-on-t-grow-old-with-age-comes-caution-w_14010.jpg)
