You're still saying the same thing, only using a more palatable example. If there is no other way to obtain that sandwich, and given that having a sandwich is presumably better than not having a sandwich, especially if you're hungry, then the fact that the only way for him to obtain that sandwich was through war means that the war is justified, because he must do it to retrieve his sandwich.
The point is exactly what you said: there is no compelling reason for a war over a sandwich. But thanks to this line, you don't need one, the war justifies itself.
Of course, Lan is using it for a specific example where the lengths to which the Shadow are willing to go to in order to capture Rand, Mat and Perrin demonstrates that it is necessary to keep them out of the Shadow's hands. If the Shadow wants something that badly, then obviously the Light needs to keep it out of their hands.
But the problem is that he phrases that sentence as a general rule, not a specific case. And once you extrapolate what exactly such a rule entails, it's core insanity is revealed.
The point is exactly what you said: there is no compelling reason for a war over a sandwich. But thanks to this line, you don't need one, the war justifies itself.
Of course, Lan is using it for a specific example where the lengths to which the Shadow are willing to go to in order to capture Rand, Mat and Perrin demonstrates that it is necessary to keep them out of the Shadow's hands. If the Shadow wants something that badly, then obviously the Light needs to keep it out of their hands.
But the problem is that he phrases that sentence as a general rule, not a specific case. And once you extrapolate what exactly such a rule entails, it's core insanity is revealed.
The first rule of being a ninja is "do no harm". Unless you intend to do harm, then do lots of harm.
~Master Splinter
Victorious in Bergioyn's legendary 'Reverse Mafia'. *MySmiley*
~Master Splinter
Victorious in Bergioyn's legendary 'Reverse Mafia'. *MySmiley*
What were your biggest "WTF?" moments?
24/02/2010 05:17:21 AM
- 1707 Views
Re: What were your biggest "WTF?" moments?
24/02/2010 07:29:39 AM
- 859 Views
I don't think you got what he said...
24/02/2010 03:03:19 PM
- 837 Views
Yes. If you need to take a bullet to the leg to avoid a bullet to the head
24/02/2010 03:10:00 PM
- 669 Views
Can't agree with that.
24/02/2010 05:33:01 PM
- 706 Views
Re: Can't agree with that.
24/02/2010 06:40:24 PM
- 615 Views
But in Aviendha's case...
24/02/2010 08:10:55 PM
- 554 Views
So this is the last sandwhich?
24/02/2010 11:43:37 PM
- 540 Views
Your argument is irrelevant.
24/02/2010 11:58:45 PM
- 625 Views
No it isn't...
25/02/2010 05:23:58 PM
- 520 Views
Re: No it isn't...
25/02/2010 06:27:36 PM
- 651 Views
Re: No it isn't...
25/02/2010 07:48:54 PM
- 500 Views
I don't get these
24/02/2010 03:18:44 PM
- 970 Views
These were I found surprising/confusing on my first read
24/02/2010 03:52:12 PM
- 768 Views
If you think her "Magic Tight Rope Dancing Skills" were confusing
24/02/2010 04:05:18 PM
- 828 Views
Indeed. I've learned a bit of juggling too (from same person)
24/02/2010 04:19:40 PM
- 645 Views
Another from Mat:
24/02/2010 05:06:15 PM
- 653 Views
Re: What were your biggest "WTF?" moments?
24/02/2010 03:49:44 PM
- 721 Views
Re: What were your biggest "WTF?" moments?
24/02/2010 04:24:45 PM
- 698 Views
Re: What were your biggest "WTF?" moments?
24/02/2010 04:34:27 PM
- 593 Views
Re: What were your biggest "WTF?" moments?
24/02/2010 05:26:59 PM
- 570 Views
Re: What were your biggest "WTF?" moments?
24/02/2010 06:33:50 PM
- 730 Views