One of the great things about books is you can afford to do anything.
George R. R. MartinRead
When a man was hurt you took him to the maester, but what could you do when your maester was hurt?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the limitations of seeking help when those who typically provide help are themselves in need.
This quote from George R. R. Martin presents a profound dilemma where the traditional sources of healing or wisdom, represented by the 'maester', are incapacitated. It invites reflection on the nature of dependence and the crisis that arises when those we rely on for support are unable to fulfill their roles, ultimately underscoring the fragility of human connections and the vulnerability of organized systems of care.
Themes
HelpVulnerabilitySupportWisdomCrisis
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on healthcare, this quote can illustrate the challenges faced when practitioners are overburdened or unwell.
More from George R. R. Martin
All quotes βI hate outlines. I have a broad sense of where the story is going; I know the end, I know the end of the principal characters, and I know the major turning points and events from the books, the climaxes for each book, but I don't necessarily know each twist and turn along the way. That's something I discover in the course of writing and that's what makes writing enjoyable. I think if I outlined comprehensively and stuck to the outline the actual writing would be boring.
George R. R. MartinRead
There is only one god and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: βNot today.
George R. R. MartinRead
I did not do it. Yet now I wish I had.β He turned to face the hall, that sea of pale faces. βI wish I had enough poison for you all. You make me sorry that I am not the monster you would have me be, yet there it is. I am innocent, but I will get no justice here.
George R. R. MartinRead
But a voice inside her whispered, There are no heroes, and she remembered what Lord Petyr had said to her, here in this very hall. 'Life is not a song, sweetling,' he'd told her, 'You may learn that one day to your sorrow.' In life, the monsters win, she told herself.
George R. R. MartinRead
I write from this tight third-person viewpoint, where each chapter is seen through the eyes of one individual character. When I'm writing that character, I become that character and identify with that character.
George R. R. MartinRead
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