'Excellence,' besought Kai Lung, not without misgivings,'how many warriors, each having some actual existence, are there in your never-failing band?' 'For all purposes save those of attack and defence there are fifteen score of the best and bravest, as their pay-sheets well attest,' was the confident response. 'In a strictly literal sense, however, there are no more than can be seen on a mist-enshrouded day with a resolutely closed eye.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Kai Lung questions the size of a warrior band, and the response suggests that while there are many officially, only a few are truly visible or real in a literal sense.
- In plain terms
- There are many warriors on paper, but only a few can actually be seen.
- What can you take from it?
- Official numbers often exceed reality.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you distinguish between official counts and reality?
- When is a number just a figure?
Another view
The quote relies on metaphorical language that may obscure literal meaning.
More from Ernest Bramah
However deep you dig a well it affords no refuge in the time of flood.
Permalink to quote #17 He who has failed three times sets up as an instructor.
Permalink to quote #19 One learns to itch where one can scratch.
Permalink to quote #16
Related quotes
Depression presents itself as a realism regarding the rottenness of the world in general and the rottenness of your life in particular.
Jonathan FranzenJonathan Franzen quote #1 In an extreme instance, in which there is a Propervirt of less than 0.9%, the TEXT OF THE PRESENT PROSPECTUS may likewise undergo an ABRUPT change. If, while y…
Stanislaw LemStanislaw Lem quote #1 The science fiction approach doesn't mean it's always about the future; it's an awareness that this is different.
Neal StephensonNeal Stephenson quote #1