“It was the single forgiving phrase in the syntax of weaponry I had strapped about me. The rest were unequivocal sentences of death.”
In this quote by Richard K Morgan, the use of language is powerful in depicting the contrasting nature of forgiveness and violence. The speaker acknowledges that amidst the weapons they carry, a single forgiving phrase stands out as a symbol of mercy. This highlights the theme of redemption in the face of imminent danger and destruction. The juxtaposition of forgiveness and death in this quote serves to emphasize the complexity of human nature and the capacity for both cruelty and compassion within individuals. Morgan effectively conveys the internal conflict and moral ambiguity experienced by the character in this intense and thought-provoking statement.
In a world filled with conflict and violence, the act of forgiveness can be a rare and powerful weapon. As Richard K. Morgan eloquently describes, amidst the deadly tools at our disposal, the ability to forgive can stand out as a beacon of hope and humanity. In today's society, where tensions run high and anger is often met with more anger, the importance of forgiveness as a means of reconciliation and peace cannot be overlooked. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there is always room for compassion and understanding.
"It was the single forgiving phrase in the syntax of weaponry I had strapped about me. The rest were unequivocal sentences of death." - Richard K Morgan.
In this quote by Richard K. Morgan, what do you think the significance of the phrase "It was the single forgiving phrase in the syntax of weaponry" is? How do you interpret the contrast between this forgiving phrase and the rest of the sentences mentioned? How does the use of language in this quote impact your understanding of the themes of forgiveness and violence in the context of warfare?
“For all that we have done, as a civilization, as individuals, the universe is not stable, and nor is any single thing within it. Stars consume themselves, the universe itself rushes apart, and we ourselves are composed of matter in constant flux. Colonies of cells in temporary alliance, replicating and decaying and housed within, an incandescent cloud of electrical impulse and precariously stacked carbon code memory. This is reality, this is self knowledge, and the perception of it will, of course, make you dizzy.”
“And how exactly did you come by that murderous little item? Ringil reached up and touched the pommel of the Ravensfriend, where it rose at his shoulder. 'It was forged for me at An-Monal by Grashgal the Wanderer.' Yes - actually I was talking to the sword.”
“The personal, as every one’s so fucking fond of saying, is political. So if some idiot politician, some power player, tries to execute policies that harm you or those you care about, TAKE IT PERSONALLY. Get angry. The Machinery of Justice will not serve you here—it is slow and cold, and it is theirs, hardware and soft. Only the little people suffer at the hands of Justice; the creatures of power slide out from under with a wink and a grin. If you want justice, you will have to claw it from them. Make it PERSONAL. Do as much damage as you can. GET YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS. That way you stand a far better chance of being taken seriously next time. Of being considered dangerous. And make no mistake about this: being taken seriously, being considered dangerous marks the difference, the ONLY difference in their eyes, between players and little people. Players they will make deals with. Little people they liquidate. And time and again they cream your liquidation, your displacement, your torture and brutal execution with the ultimate insult that it’s just business, it’s politics, it’s the way of the world, it’s a tough life and that IT’S NOTHING PERSONAL. Well, fuck them. Make it personal. QUELLCRIST FALCONERThings I Should Have Learnt by NowVolume II”
“If they asked how I died tell them: Still angry.”
“The personal, as everyone’s so fucking fond of saying, is political. So if some idiot politician, some power player, tries to execute policies that harm you or those you care about, take it personally. Get angry. The Machinery of Justice will not serve you here – it is slow and cold, and it is theirs, hardware and soft-. Only the little people suffer at the hands of Justice; the creatures of power slide from under it with a wink and a grin. If you want justice, you will have to claw it from them. Make it personal. Do as much damage as you can. Get your message across. That way, you stand a better chance of being taken seriously next time. Of being considered dangerous. And make no mistake about this: being taken seriously, being considered dangerous marks the difference - the only difference in their eyes - between players and little people. Players they will make deals with. Little people they liquidate. And time and again they cream your liquidation, your displacement, your torture and brutal execution with the ultimate insult that it’s just business, it’s politics, it’s the way of the world, it’s a tough life and that it’s nothing personal. Well, fuck them. Make it personal.”
“Angels and demons, heaven and hell, God, morality, law and language. It’s all metaphor. Scaffolding to handle the areas where base reality won’t cut it for you guys, where it’s too cold for humans to live without something made up. We codify our hopes and fears and wants, and then build whole societies on the code. And then forget it ever was code and treat it like fact. Act like the universe gives a shit about it. Go to war over it, string men and women up by the neck for it. Firebomb trains and skyscrapers in the name of it.”