The quote from Arturo Pérez-Reverte's "All Alatriste" highlights the danger of individuals who wield authority, claiming to act for higher causes such as government, hierarchy, or nationalism. Such people can inflict great harm while justifying their actions by the power they believe they represent. Their deeds often stem from a misguided sense of duty, placing their beliefs above the well-being of others.

Moreover, the quote suggests that those who invoke divine justification for their actions pose an even greater threat. When individuals believe they are acting under the sanction of God, they may feel empowered to commit atrocities without moral restraint. This interplay between authority, faith, and justification raises critical questions about the morality of actions taken in the name of something greater than oneself.