The quote "It's amputate or die. Simple. And when it comes down to it, you can't die. Not yet. Once you're born, you are obligated to survive. At all costs." from James Clavell's book "King Rat" emphasizes the stark realities of survival in extreme circumstances. It reflects a brutal choice between drastic action and death, indicating that the instinct to live is primal and unyielding.

This idea encapsulates the struggle faced by individuals in dire situations, where survival often demands tough decisions. The notion that one must do whatever it takes to continue living speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, highlighting an inherent duty to fight for existence against all odds.