"You would do well not to imagine profundity," he said. "Anything that seems
of momentous occasion should be dwelt upon as though it were of slight note.
Conversely, trivialities must be attended to with the greatest of care.
Because death is momentous, give it no thought; because victory is important,
give it no thought; because the method of achievement and discovery is less
momentous than the effect, dwell always upon the method. You will strengthen
yourself in this way."
-- Jessica Salmonson, "The Swordswoman"
If you say, "Would there were no wine" because of the drunkard hen
you must say, going on by degrees, "Would there were no steel," because
of the murderers, "Would there were no night," because of the thieves,
"Would there were no light," because of the informers, and "Would there
were no women," because of adultery....