Fleet kept running, Kaladin growled, getting back under Elhokar's arm. What? He couldn't win, but he kept running. And when the storm caught him, it didn't matter that he'd died, because he'd run for all he had. Sure. All right. The king sounded groggy, though Kaladin couldn't tell if it was the alcohol or the blood loss. We all die in the end, you see, Kaladin said. So I guess what truly matters is just how well you've run. And Elhokar, you've kept running since your father was killed, even if you screw up all the storming time. Thank you? the king said, drowsy.
[This passage encapsulates a profound life lesson about perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Kaladin's journey often mirrors the internal struggle of survival amidst overwhelming circumstances, emphasizing that simply 'keeping going' is a heroic act, regardless of the outcome. The metaphor of running until the storm catches you points to the inevitable challenges and hardships everyone faces — mortality, loss, failure. Yet, it also highlights that the true measure of a person is how they respond to these hardships, how they keep moving forward despite setbacks.
The conversation between Kaladin and Elhokar underscores the importance of persistence. Elhokar, a king burdened by grief and mistakes, continues to 'run' through his responsibilities and personal struggles, which is an admirable act of bravery. The quote calls into question what really matters in life's race—a reminder that it's less about victory and more about doing your best, pushing through, and maintaining integrity even when the stakes are high or when you might feel like giving up. It’s a comforting yet sobering reflection that death is inevitable, but the way we face it—whether with defiance, hope, or resilience—defines us. Brandon Sanderson masterfully uses this allegory of running to illustrate the human condition, making readers consider what 'running' means in their own lives and how perseverance shapes our legacy, especially in moments of despair and loss.](https://book: ( Words of Radiance ) - author: 'Brandon Sanderson')
