This poignant metaphor evokes a profound understanding of resilience and defense. When an animal is wounded, it is often perceived as vulnerable and in need of care. However, the phrase highlights that even in injury or weakness, there exists an innate instinct to protect oneself. The image of a wounded creature bearing teeth reminds us that pain, suffering, or vulnerability do not eliminate the fight-or-flight response ingrained in all living beings. This insight serves as a powerful metaphor for the human condition. Often, individuals who have endured hardship or emotional wounds carry within them a fierce will to defend their boundaries and dignity. Despite their vulnerability, they may exhibit strength, aggression, or defensiveness when faced with threats. This duality emphasizes that wounds do not equate to surrender; in many cases, they ignite a deeper resolve to survive and safeguard what remains. The phrase also touches on the complexity of dealing with wounded people or nations: even those who have been hurt are capable of fierce retaliation, not because they seek conflict but because their survival instinct is activated. The lesson here is nuanced—strength can coexist with vulnerability, and true resilience often manifests in the ability to defend oneself despite internal pain. Recognizing this dynamic fosters empathy and a more comprehensive understanding of conflict, healing, and human endurance. Ultimately, this quote reminds us that injuries do not diminish our capacity for defense or courage; rather, they often reveal the untapped depths of our resilience and resolve.

(The Book of Redemption) - Billie - Jo Williams