Violence harms the one who does it as much as the one who receives it. You could cut down a tree with an axe. The axe does violence to the tree, and escapes unharmed. Is that how you see it? Wood is soft compared to steel, but the sharp steel is dulled as it chops, and the sap of the tree will rust and pit it. The mighty axe does violence to the helpless tree, and is harmed by it. So it is with men, though the harm is in the spirit.
The idea presented in the quote from Robert Jordan's "The Eye of the World" illustrates that violence is a destructive force that affects both the aggressor and the victim. The metaphor of an axe cutting down a tree emphasizes that while the tree suffers physical damage, the axe also endures degradation. This serves as a reminder that those who choose to inflict harm on others are not above its consequences; they too suffer, albeit in a spiritual or moral sense. This duality suggests that violence leaves a lasting impact on the perpetrator, affecting their psyche and character.
Furthermore, the analogy of the axe and the tree highlights the concept that violence, although often perceived as a one-sided act, creates a cycle of harm. Just as the axe becomes dull from its relentless activity, so too does a person's spirit become tarnished when engaged in acts of aggression. The statement encourages reflection on the broader implications of violence, urging individuals to consider how their actions not only harm others but also lead to their own moral decline and emotional pain.
