One of the great things about books is you can afford to do anything.
George R. R. MartinRead
These old knights are more cunning than you think, or they would never have lived to see their first grey hair.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Experience often brings wisdom, and those who have survived many challenges have gained valuable insights.
This quote suggests that individuals who have lived long enough to experience life's battles and challenges possess a level of cunning and wisdom that may not be immediately apparent. The reference to old knights hints at the idea that those who survive in difficult environments often develop skills and strategies to navigate their challenges effectively, thus earning their longevity and wisdom.
Themes
WisdomExperienceCunningSurvivalAge
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of respecting elders and valuing their life experiences.
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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The trouble with nearly everybody who prays is that he says 'Amen' and runs away before God has a chance to reply. Listening to God is far more important than giving Him our ideas.
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