He leaned forward suddenly, so that for an instant the strong, bearded face was clear; the voice softened, and there was an aching sadness in it. Only the creatures of the earth take from one another, boy. All creatures, but men more than any. Life they take, and liberty and all that another man may have - sometimes through greed, sometimes through stupidity, but never by any volition but their own. Beware your own race, Bran Davies - they are the only ones who will ever harm you, in the end.
In this passage from "The Grey King" by Susan Cooper, a character expresses a profound truth about humanity. They describe how humans are unique in their tendency to take from one another, highlighting the cruelty that exists within human nature. This includes the taking of life and liberty, driven by greed or ignorance, emphasizing that such actions stem from individual choice. The speaker warns Bran Davies about the dangers posed by...
