It was a terrible thing to know about himself, that he could feel such lust to punish a submissive enemy
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker feels ashamed of his desire to punish an enemy despite their submission.
- In plain terms
- He felt bad about wanting to hurt someone who already lost.
- What can you take from it?
- Power can corrupt even when the enemy is defeated.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you do when you win?
- Is vengeance ever right?
Another view
It ignores why the enemy might deserve punishment.
More from Orson Scott Card
The word does not exist, except in the mouths of those who are pretending to be educated but in fact are not
Permalink to quote #679 In contemporary American culture, going to the psychiatrist means you're crazy. But going to a therapist means you're rich and stylishly uptight. I hate it whe…
Permalink to quote #681 Even step - she knew that she didn't really know him, that always there was the chance that someday he would surprise her, that she would turn to face her husb…
Permalink to quote #678
Related quotes
Gloating is a great joy, isn't it? To have your enemy in your power - there's nothing sweeter is there?
Orson Scott CardOrson Scott Card quote #572 Upon this, one has to remark that men ought either to be well treated or crushed, because they can avenge themselves of lighter injuries, of more serious ones …
Niccolo MachiavelliNiccolo Machiavelli quote #1 Who speaks the truth stabs Falsehood to the heart.
James Russell LowellJames Russell Lowell quote #2