And enough for me that when my hand touched your shoulder, you leaned on me; and when you felt me slip away, you called my name.
Orson Scott CardRead
A duel is just two murders who agree to take turns trying to kill each other.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the concept of dueling by highlighting its inherent violence and agreement between parties to harm each other.
Orson Scott Card's quote reflects on the absurdity and brutality of dueling, emphasizing that it is not a noble act of honor, but rather a premeditated agreement to engage in violence that results in murder. The statement challenges romantic notions of dueling as a gentlemanly conflict, revealing the darker truth that both participants in such a confrontation are willingly choosing to commit acts of violence against one another.
Themes
DuelViolenceMurderHonorAbsurdity
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on the ethics of conflict resolution, this quote serves to illustrate the destructive nature of violence.
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You take a step, then another. That's the journey. But to take a step with your eyes open is not a journey at all, it's a remaking of your own mind.
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I've had your tears with mine, and you've had mine with yours. I think that's more intimate even than a kiss.
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