How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"If you play against your own side you'll lose the whole game. That's what these fellows with no patriotism, only self-love, can't see." (10.86)
Shugis mistakes duty with playing a sport, as if one side's got to lose for the other to win. Has this guy been watching our political channels in his spare time? Cause that sounds familiar.
Quote #8
We did not struggle for the warm place, we simply were in it each night. It is a terrible thing, this kindness that human beings do not lose. Terrible, because we are finally naked in the dark and cold, it is all we have. (13.18)
With nothing to lose, the Gethenians put away duty to country and focus on their duty for the benefit of mankind. Funny how the worst situation brings out the best in people.
Quote #9
[Estraven] was not proud of his exploit, and not able to laugh at it. Stealing is a vile crime on Winter; indeed the only man more despised than the thief is the suicide. (15.44)
Poor Estraven. One duty forcing him to turn away from another. On the one hand, the people he stole those goods from will not be happy. On the other hand, he could prevent a war that would take much more from those people. All we can say is glad we aren't in his shoes.