In Diana Gabaldon's "Written in My Own Heart's Blood," a character expresses a desire to instill fear in others as a means of survival. The quote reflects a strategic mindset, suggesting that sometimes making others afraid is necessary to ensure one's own safety and control over a situation.
This approach highlights the complexities of human relationships and the lengths to which individuals might go to protect themselves and their loved ones. The underlying message conveys the tension between power dynamics and survival, emphasizing the darker aspects of leadership and influence.