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"Listen well, Doppio. Have Cioccolata (and Secco) eliminate Bucciarati and his crew. But you must catch up to those two no matter what. Yes, those two... it's rare that I ever feel repulsed by others, but Cioccolata is the worst piece of shit on the face of the earth. I imagine he'll carve a path of destruction through Rome. You will have to take control in the end. Whatever Trish knows and whatever Bucciarati is searching for in Rome... those two must not be allowed to find out... Originally, I didn't want to let them live, but I kept Cioccolata on in case of times like these. Because ultimately, their Stand abilities are more reliable than anyone else's."
Rustal: "Tell me something, Iok. Do you have any idea why I don't attack the Outer Earth Orbit Regulatory Joint Fleet?"
Iok: "No, sir."
Rustal: "While it's true they're acting under McGillis's orders, they are not revolutionary soldiers. If we're able to decimate Tekkadan, the revolutionary fleet, and McGillis himself, they would revert back to being obedient sheep before you could blink. What kind of a fool would I be, to waste potential military assets?"
Iok: "Wow. He's thinking about what happens after the battle."
Iok: "No, sir."
Rustal: "While it's true they're acting under McGillis's orders, they are not revolutionary soldiers. If we're able to decimate Tekkadan, the revolutionary fleet, and McGillis himself, they would revert back to being obedient sheep before you could blink. What kind of a fool would I be, to waste potential military assets?"
Iok: "Wow. He's thinking about what happens after the battle."
Honey Trap: Your ways are as underhanded as ever, Melt...
Melt Out: I don't choose the means. I just use what I have.
Melt Out: I don't choose the means. I just use what I have.
Comic Books
"Even the renegade depends on a stable society. Robbable banks, prosperous hostages, penetrable institutions. Ask yourself: would our comfortable status quo survive sans its costumed champion?"
— Modeus, Irredeemable
"More profit in slavery than massacre."
— Frank Castle describing the logic of Cristu Bulat, The Punisher MAX
Mad Harriet: Tell me, are these humans edible?
Stompa: "Leave them be, Mad Harriet!"
Mad Harriet: Stompa! Why did you do that?
Stompa: Because we're not here to infect ourselves by eating a bunch of lowly humans!
Stompa: "Leave them be, Mad Harriet!"
Mad Harriet: Stompa! Why did you do that?
Stompa: Because we're not here to infect ourselves by eating a bunch of lowly humans!
Fan Works
"True, I could have done such a thing, for that reason. Yet, I did not. Why? Because, above all, Detective, I am a very, very practical man.
To begin with, there is the concept of justice. Your wife stood against me, once and only once. It is true, you gave me a death in that adventure. A quite painful death. But it was not permanent. Thus far, my deaths have been but trifles. One renewal in the Lazarus Pit and I am reborn. Her discomfiting of me was substantial, but not as great as your own.
No, her death would add but little to my power, and no profit. If I wished redress for my many hurts at your hands, then have no doubt, Detective: I would kill you. Someday, perhaps I shall. Perhaps not. Be that as it may, if I wished to use her against you, why would I kill her?"
To begin with, there is the concept of justice. Your wife stood against me, once and only once. It is true, you gave me a death in that adventure. A quite painful death. But it was not permanent. Thus far, my deaths have been but trifles. One renewal in the Lazarus Pit and I am reborn. Her discomfiting of me was substantial, but not as great as your own.
No, her death would add but little to my power, and no profit. If I wished redress for my many hurts at your hands, then have no doubt, Detective: I would kill you. Someday, perhaps I shall. Perhaps not. Be that as it may, if I wished to use her against you, why would I kill her?"
— Ra's Al Ghul, Dance with the Demons
Another tip was: don't kill anybody. Except maybe try and kill the Flash, because nobody seemed to hold that against you. But if you committed murder, you could expect to go up for the rest of your life, or maybe face Old Sparky. Central City was not Gotham and they didn't pack you away to Arkham there.
The Horned King: I should kill you now, after all the trouble you've caused me.
Avalina: Well, if you're going to kill me, then do it! There's nothing stopping you!
The Horned King: [tightens his grip on Avalina's throat, but chuckles darkly after a moment] After all the trouble I've gone through to keep you? Then I would be the fool, child.
Avalina: Well, if you're going to kill me, then do it! There's nothing stopping you!
The Horned King: [tightens his grip on Avalina's throat, but chuckles darkly after a moment] After all the trouble I've gone through to keep you? Then I would be the fool, child.
"The execution of Fire Fist Ace is Justice. Plain and simple. Making it this public? Practically inviting the strongest man in the world to attempt to intervene? That's not Justice. That's stupidity. [...] Either he should have been put to death quietly or this should have waited until our resources were restored. As it stands, this conflict threatens to leave us unable to pursue Justice at all, whether we win or lose."
Film — Animated
One-Eye: I don't get it boss, how come we're not munching on those mice back there?
Frenchy: Oui, this fraternity with mice does run counter to nature!
Cat R. Waul: Which would you rather have? The crouton or the entire Caesar salad? Of course we will eat the mice, but only after we have exploited their labours! We are nice to the mice because it is intelligent to be so, you see? If we talk sweetly they will come in droves, if we hiss they will run and we will have to chase after them! An unnecessary expenditure of calories!
One-Eye: So when do we take the big bite, boss?
Felonius: WHEN DO WE GET TO EAT THEM? WHEN WHEN WHEN WHEEEEEN!?
Cat R. Waul: When my empire at Green River is complete, and when we have a better mouse trap!
Frenchy: Oui, this fraternity with mice does run counter to nature!
Cat R. Waul: Which would you rather have? The crouton or the entire Caesar salad? Of course we will eat the mice, but only after we have exploited their labours! We are nice to the mice because it is intelligent to be so, you see? If we talk sweetly they will come in droves, if we hiss they will run and we will have to chase after them! An unnecessary expenditure of calories!
One-Eye: So when do we take the big bite, boss?
Felonius: WHEN DO WE GET TO EAT THEM? WHEN WHEN WHEN WHEEEEEN!?
Cat R. Waul: When my empire at Green River is complete, and when we have a better mouse trap!
Dracula: You have no concept of the harm of which I am capable... if only because I really hate to waste a life when it can be spent in servitude to me.
Batman: Life? Or living death?
Batman: Life? Or living death?
"Don't you realize what he's planned? In his new world our money doesn't matter!"
— Cheetah on Vandal Savage plotting an apocalypse, Justice League: Doom
Film — Live-Action
"Don't kill him. If you kill him... he won't learn nothin'!"
— The Riddler, Batman Forever
Bonnie Parker: What would you do if some miracle happened and we could walk out of here tomorrow morning and start all over again clean? No record and nobody after us, huh?
Clyde Barrow: Well, uh, I guess I'd do it all different. First off, I wouldn't live in the same state where we pull our jobs. We'd live in another state. We'd stay clean there and then when we'd take a bank, we'd go into the other state.
Clyde Barrow: Well, uh, I guess I'd do it all different. First off, I wouldn't live in the same state where we pull our jobs. We'd live in another state. We'd stay clean there and then when we'd take a bank, we'd go into the other state.
"Never steal anything from someone you can't outrun, kid."
— Selina Kyle, The Dark Knight Rises
"You're seventy fucking years old. One of these guys is going to pop you. As for running drugs, what the fuck? You don't need the pain in the ass, and they're going to catch you. And you don't need the money."
— Billy Costigan to Frank Costello, The Departed
"When dealing with aliens, try to be polite, but firm. And always remember that a smile is cheaper than a bullet."
— MNU, advising their employees on how to patrol their concentration camp, District 9
Shay: Come on, Joe. Let me do them. Let me do both of them. You wouldn't even have to worry about it.
Mental: Just shut up! No, we don't even know who the hell they are. You don't kill people you don't know. That's a rule!
Mental: Just shut up! No, we don't even know who the hell they are. You don't kill people you don't know. That's a rule!
"I am a professional thief; I don't kill people I don't have to."
— Seth Gecko, From Dusk Till Dawn
"I don't like violence, Tom. I'm a businessman; blood is a big expense."
— Virgil Sollozzo, The Godfather
"I said that I would see you because I had heard that you were a serious man, to be treated with respect. But I must say no to you and let me give you my reasons. It's true I have a lot of friends in politics, but they wouldn't be so friendly if they knew my business was drugs instead of gambling which they consider a harmless vice. But drugs, that's a dirty business."
— Vito Corleone, The Godfather
"Now, nobody has ever gunned down a New York police captain. Never. It would be disastrous. All the five families would come after you, Sonny. The Corleone Family would be outcast. Even the old man's political protection would run for cover. So, do me a favor, take this into consideration."
— Tom Hagen, The Godfather
Jeff Kohlver: Look, I'm a decent guy. Ask anyone. Go ahead. Ask these models. Call them; they'll tell you.
Hayley Stark: Of course they will. You're not an idiot, Jeff. You don't piss where you live. Those girls were your work, and I, on the other hand, was your play.
Hayley Stark: Of course they will. You're not an idiot, Jeff. You don't piss where you live. Those girls were your work, and I, on the other hand, was your play.
"If you shoot someone in the head with a .45 every time you kill somebody, it becomes like your fingerprint, see? But if you strangle one, stab another, and one you cut up, and one you don't, then the police don't know what to do. They think you're four different people. What they really want, what makes their job so much easier, is pattern. What they call a modus operandi."
— Henry, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer
Erle Kenton: Humans are our prey. We should feed on them like we've always done. Screw all this "channel your energies" crap.
Dr. George Waggner: But the danger of exposure. We need this shelter to plan, to catch up with society. Times have changed, and we haven't. Not enough.
Dr. George Waggner: But the danger of exposure. We need this shelter to plan, to catch up with society. Times have changed, and we haven't. Not enough.
"What's the matter with you all? Have you forgotten everything you've learned? She can't disappear, she's well known!"
— Dr. George Waggner, The Howling
"We both know I'm not above killing children, but I'm not wasteful. I take life for specific reasons."
— President Snow, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay
"Claudia! Claudia! Now who are we going to get to finish your dress? These impracticalities, cherie! Remember: Never in the home!"
— Lestat on killing, Interview with the Vampire
"It's mercy, compassion, and forgiveness I lack. Not rationality."
— The Bride, Kill Bill
Franz Sanchez: In this business, there's a lot of cash. And a lot of people with their hands out.
Kwang: In a word... bribery.
Sanchez: Exactly. He took the words right out of my pocket. Everyone and his brother is on the payroll. So, you buy a mayor, chief of police, generals, presidents. One day, you wake up and you own the whole god damn country. Then you take what you want. Banks. Government casino. Airline concession. Why? Simple. It's easier for the politicians to take silver, than lead.
Kwang: In a word... bribery.
Sanchez: Exactly. He took the words right out of my pocket. Everyone and his brother is on the payroll. So, you buy a mayor, chief of police, generals, presidents. One day, you wake up and you own the whole god damn country. Then you take what you want. Banks. Government casino. Airline concession. Why? Simple. It's easier for the politicians to take silver, than lead.
"I never sold to Osama bin Laden. Not on any moral grounds — back then, he was always bouncing checks."
Wez: No! No more talk! We go in! We kill! Kill! We kill 'em! They kill us, we kill them! Kill 'em! Kill 'em! Kill! Kill!
Lord Humungus: Be still, my dog of war. I understand your pain. We've all lost someone we love. But we do it my way!
Wez: Losers... losers wait!
Lord Humungus: We do it my way. Fear is our ally. The gasoline will be ours. Then you shall have your revenge.
Lord Humungus: Be still, my dog of war. I understand your pain. We've all lost someone we love. But we do it my way!
Wez: Losers... losers wait!
Lord Humungus: We do it my way. Fear is our ally. The gasoline will be ours. Then you shall have your revenge.
"There has been too much violence. Too much pain. But I have an honorable compromise. Just walk away. Give me your pump, the oil, the gasoline, and the whole compound, and I'll spare your lives. Just walk away and we'll give you a safe passageway in the wastelands. Just walk away and there will be an end to the horror. I await your answer. You have a full day to decide."
— Lord Humungus, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior
"I can let you drown, but I can't bring this ship into Tortuga all by me onesies, savvy?"
— Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
"Nobody ever robs restaurants. Bars, liquor stores, gas stations... you get your head blown off sticking up one of them. Restaurants on the other hand, you catch with their pants down. They're not expecting to get robbed. Not as expectant anyway."
— Pumpkin, Pulp Fiction
"Remember when I told you when you first started working for me: the guys that last in this business are the guys who fly straight. Low-key, quiet. But the guys who want it all — chicas, champagne, flash... they don't last."
— Frank Lopez, Scarface (1983)
"What are you doing? These are mine. These are my workers. They should be on my train. They're skilled munitions workers. They're essential. Essential girls! Their fingers polish the inside of shell metal casings. How else am I to polish the inside of a 45 millimeter shell casing? You tell me. You tell me!"
— Oskar Schindler appealing to an SS guard, Schindler's List
Adrian Toomes: How many times have I told you not to fire them out in the open?
Jackson Brice: You said to move the merchandise!
Toomes: Under the radar! Under the radar! If you bring Damage Control or the Avengers down here, we're through! You're out there, wearing that goofy thing like Mel Carbs, calling yourself the Shocker! "I'm the Shocker! I shock people!" What is this, pro wrestling?
Jackson Brice: You said to move the merchandise!
Toomes: Under the radar! Under the radar! If you bring Damage Control or the Avengers down here, we're through! You're out there, wearing that goofy thing like Mel Carbs, calling yourself the Shocker! "I'm the Shocker! I shock people!" What is this, pro wrestling?
"A city is made of brick, Pharaoh. The strong make many, the starving make few. And the dead make none."
— Moses explains why he's "lenient" toward the Hebrew slaves, The Ten Commandments (1956)
Loki: I will conceal you and a handful of your soldiers, lead you into Odin's chambers, and you can slay him where he lies.
Laufey: Why not kill him yourself?
Loki: I suspect that the Asgardians would not take kindly to a king who had murdered his predecessor.
Laufey: Why not kill him yourself?
Loki: I suspect that the Asgardians would not take kindly to a king who had murdered his predecessor.
— Thor
Literature
The funny thing about it was that Sekula didn't want to harm the woman. That was how they had remained hidden for so long, when others had been hunted down. They did not hurt people unless it was absolutely necessary — or they had not until Sekula's investigations had added a degree of urgency to their quest.
"The enigmatic Bourne does not kill indiscriminately. Not out of compassion, naturally, but for a far more practical reason. Men remember when they've been spared; he infiltrates the armies of others. Refined guerrilla tactics applied to a sophisticated battleground. I commend you."
"I'm willing to make sacrifices in pursuit of a greater goal. That's not the same as condoning the rape and murder of entire steadholts. There was no profit to those actions. No purpose. It's unprofessional. Idiotic. And I have difficulty tolerating idiots."
— Invidia Aquitaine to Senator Arnos, Captain's Fury
A few years ago, Valentine would have been terrified at Peter's threats. Now, though, she was not so afraid. Not that she doubted that he was capable of killing her. She couldn't think of anything so terrible that she didn't believe Peter might do it. She also knew, though, that Peter was not insane, not in the sense that he wasn't in control of himself. He was in better control of himself than anyone she knew. Except perhaps herself. He would only do it if the advantages outweighed the risks. And they did not. In a way, she actually preferred Peter to other people because of this. Peter could delay any desire as long as he needed to; he could conceal any emotion. And so Valentine knew that he would never hurt her in a fit of rage. He always, always acted out of intelligent self-interest. And so, to keep herself safe, all she had to do was make sure it was more in Peter's interest to keep her alive than to have her dead.
Being an absolute ruler today was not as simple as some people thought. At least, it was not simple if your ambitions included being an absolute ruler tomorrow. Oh, you could order men to smash down doors and drag people off to dungeons without trial, but too much of that sort of thing was bad for business, habit-forming, style-lacking, and very, very dangerous for your health. A thinking tyrant, it seemed to Vetinari, had a much harder job than a ruler raised to power by some idiot vote-yourself-rich system like democracy. At least he could tell the people he was their fault.
Taylor: It's funny how things that were so important back then don't matter now. Maybe Hatch is right. We have been brainwashed.
Ostin: Hatch isn't right. Hatch is a devil. It's like my mother always says, "The devil will tell a thousand truths to sell one lie."
Ostin: Hatch isn't right. Hatch is a devil. It's like my mother always says, "The devil will tell a thousand truths to sell one lie."
— Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25
"We don't need this. Only a savage would kill an elephant to get a small steak for his breakfast."
— Zabulon, regarding a curse of mysterious origin that seems set to level Moscow, Night Watch (Series)
"It is impossible for the Empire to make an appreciable gain so long as this gain is a loss to every other nation on Calernia. To remedy this, we must discard the traditional lines of allying only to Evil polities and make it so that it is in the interest of other powers for us to rise."
— Extract from "The Death of the Age of Wonders," a treatise by Dread Empress Malicia, A Practical Guide to Evil
"From this there arises a dispute: whether it is better to be loved than feared, or the contrary. The reply is that one should like to be both one and the other, but as it is difficult to bring them together, it is much safer to be feared than loved if one of the two has to be lacking. [...] Nevertheless, a prince must make himself feared in such a way that if he does not gain love, he does avoid hatred, for to be feared and not to be hated can go very well together, and this he will always achieve if he does not touch the goods and the women of his citizens and subjects. And when he is obligated to shed someone's blood, he should do so when there is proper justification and manifest cause, but above all, he must abstain from taking the property of others, for men sooner forget the death of their padre than the loss of their patrimony."
Darzin D'Mon: I used to know a nobleman who had the legs of his wife amputated. Said it was like clipping the wings off a parrot — it kept her from flying away. Said he didn't need her to walk for what he wanted her for anyway.
Kihrin: That's sick.
Darzin D'Mon: No, it was stupid. He bled to death one night when she bit off his testicles. Everyone has their limits. Break a slave, yes. Make sure they know their place, absolutely, but only a fool pushes a slave so far they have nothing to lose by killing their master — and then gives them the opportunity to do just that.
Kihrin: That's sick.
Darzin D'Mon: No, it was stupid. He bled to death one night when she bit off his testicles. Everyone has their limits. Break a slave, yes. Make sure they know their place, absolutely, but only a fool pushes a slave so far they have nothing to lose by killing their master — and then gives them the opportunity to do just that.
— The Ruin of Kings, by Jenn Lyons
Roose Bolton: People fear you.
Ramsay Bolton: Good.
Roose Bolton: You are mistaken. It is not good. No tales were ever told of me. Do you think I would be sitting here if it were otherwise? Your amusements are your own, I will not chide you on that count, but you must be more discreet. A peaceful land, a quiet people. That has always been my rule. Make it yours.
Ramsay Bolton: Good.
Roose Bolton: You are mistaken. It is not good. No tales were ever told of me. Do you think I would be sitting here if it were otherwise? Your amusements are your own, I will not chide you on that count, but you must be more discreet. A peaceful land, a quiet people. That has always been my rule. Make it yours.
"When your enemies defy you, you must serve them steel and fire. When they go to their knees, however, you must help them back to their feet. Elsewise no man will ever bend the knee to you."
— Tywin Lannister to Joffrey Baratheon, A Song of Ice and Fire
"Our mission is not to bring death to all those unfit to live. We answer to a greater calling. All I have done on Ruusan, and all that we will do from this day forward, must serve our true purpose: the preservation of our Order and the survival of the Sith."
— Darth Bane to Darth Zannah, Star Wars: Darth Bane — Rule of Two
Live-Action TV
Adam Conover: Henry Ford was super racist, and he despised Labor Unions. So he didn't change the work-week out of love for these guys.
Henry Ford: Correct. I did it for me! Overworked employees are less productive. And worse yet, have no time to buy my stuff. You there! Why aren't you out buying a car?
Worker: I'm building one...
Henry Ford: FINE! Take the day off, and go buy a car. Ford Wins Again! MUHAHAHAHA!!
Adam Conover: Ford didn't give an F-150 about his employees' leisure time, he helped create Saturday because he knew it would be good for business.
Henry Ford: Correct. I did it for me! Overworked employees are less productive. And worse yet, have no time to buy my stuff. You there! Why aren't you out buying a car?
Worker: I'm building one...
Henry Ford: FINE! Take the day off, and go buy a car. Ford Wins Again! MUHAHAHAHA!!
Adam Conover: Ford didn't give an F-150 about his employees' leisure time, he helped create Saturday because he knew it would be good for business.
Hypodermic Sally: Come on! You telling people to stop killing is like Colonel Sanders telling us to stop eating chicken!
James March: I'm not familiar with your military friend and his fondness for poultry, but my killing days are over. I thought the Ten Commandment Killings were the beginning of my work, but it turns out that they are the epilogue. The torch has been passed and I feel... complete. But this is a practical decision, not an emotional one: THIS is our home. Frankly, it's the only one we've got. None of us know what is waiting for us beyond this place if it no longer stands. Perhaps, without these walls to protect us, we would be forced to move on and face the judgement of our maker.
Iris: If we can't stay in business, all bets are off. We'll have to sell — or get evicted.
James March: I'm not familiar with your military friend and his fondness for poultry, but my killing days are over. I thought the Ten Commandment Killings were the beginning of my work, but it turns out that they are the epilogue. The torch has been passed and I feel... complete. But this is a practical decision, not an emotional one: THIS is our home. Frankly, it's the only one we've got. None of us know what is waiting for us beyond this place if it no longer stands. Perhaps, without these walls to protect us, we would be forced to move on and face the judgement of our maker.
Iris: If we can't stay in business, all bets are off. We'll have to sell — or get evicted.
"How many times have you been hired to do a job that was avoidable — if they only took the time to think, how much money could've been made? How many lives could've been saved? [...] I'm tired of our kind dying because of the idiocy of others. We're smarter than them. It's time we took our shot."
— Boba Fett to Fennec Shand, The Book of Boba Fett, "The Gathering Storm"
Spike: [In response to Angelus murdering Jenny Calendar and posing her body in Giles's bed] Are you insane?! We're supposed to kill the bitch, not leave gag gifts in her friends' beds!
Drusilla: But Spike, the bad teacher was going to restore Angel's soul.
Spike: What if she did? If you ask me, I find myself preferring the old Buffy-whipped Angelus. This new, improved one is not playing with a full sack. [Angelus just smirks.] I love a good slaughter as much as the next bloke, but his little pranks will only leave us with one incredibly brassed-off Slayer!
Drusilla: But Spike, the bad teacher was going to restore Angel's soul.
Spike: What if she did? If you ask me, I find myself preferring the old Buffy-whipped Angelus. This new, improved one is not playing with a full sack. [Angelus just smirks.] I love a good slaughter as much as the next bloke, but his little pranks will only leave us with one incredibly brassed-off Slayer!
"A drug cartel is a business. If killing a witness to save a valued employee from jail time is the best way to keep making money, they'll do that. If on the other hand, it looks like that employee is testifying to the FBI, they're just as happy to leave the witness alone and take care of the problem another way."
— Michael Westen, Burn Notice
"If you acquire a reputation as a mad dog, you’ll be treated like a mad dog, taken out and slaughtered for pig feed."
— Roose Bolton, Game of Thrones
Weyoun: Then our first step is to eradicate its population. It's the only way.
Dukat: You can't do that.
Weyoun: Why not?
Dukat: Because a true victory is to make your enemy see they were wrong to oppose you in the first place. To force them to acknowledge your greatness.
Weyoun: Then you kill them?
Dukat: Only if it's necessary.
Dukat: You can't do that.
Weyoun: Why not?
Dukat: Because a true victory is to make your enemy see they were wrong to oppose you in the first place. To force them to acknowledge your greatness.
Weyoun: Then you kill them?
Dukat: Only if it's necessary.
Tabletop Games
It is not that Vampires must dwell in secret, but rather that there are often better ways of doing things, protocols to be observed, and duties to be attended. To feed too widely or too wildly is oft considered inappropriate. Just as the nobles of the land have a duty to their serfs even though their lives are nothing to them, the shepherd must tend the flock even though he feeds upon them. Vampires have a duty to watch over the lesser creatures that surround them — firstly, to protect them so they may provide a steady flow of sustenance but more importantly to give their flock something far greater than each other to admire, something to cause them to know terror, awe, and majesty. Men need kings, they say, but kings need Vampires.
— Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay: Night's Dark Masters — A Guide To Vampires
You might ask why Lilith would choose to take revenge on Caine, rather than on the Almighty, who both cursed Lilith and indirectly caused the death of Lilith's children by cursing Caine. The answer is simple: Lilith is anything but stupid. The Almighty, if He is even still involved in the World of Darkness at all, is so beyond even Lilith's reach that trying to take revenge on Him would be pointless. Lilith knows what eventually became of Cappadocius, after all. Caine, on the other hand, is readily accessible to someone with Lilith's resources and determination... and honestly, he really deserves to meet his end.
— Vampire: The Masquerade — Gehenna
Contrary to what you might expect, King Breweries does not cook up monstrous vats of Wyrm- tainted beer that turn hordes of brewskie-swilling fratboys and football fans into ravenous, ichor-dripping monstrosities (at least, none that aren't already in that state). Remember, King sells a lot of beer, and if a six-pack were enough to turn a customer into a slavering fomor, either the country would be neck-deep in boojums or somebody at the Food and Drug Administration would have done something about that state of affairs. After all, Pentex has pull, but not quite enough to cover up something of that magnitude.
— Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Subsidiaries: A Guide To Pentex
The Sicilian Mafia didn't have much of an interest in narcotics before the late 1940s. Oh, there was the occasional pusher in their ranks - Luciano did some dealing when he was young, in fact - but for the most part, the Mob didn't sully its hands with drugs. Before you start thinking this stemmed from any kind of righteousness, I suggest you forget it - it was all about money. The Organization recognized that the risks associated with selling drugs weren't worth the money they'd make, not when they had so many other enterprises that were bringing in cash hand over fist.
Theatre
I'm reviewing the situation,
I'm a bad 'un and a bad 'un I shall stay.
You'll be seeing no transformation,
But it's wrong to be a rogue in every way.
I don't want nobody hurt for me
Or made to do the dirt for me.
This rotten life is not for me
It's getting far too hot for me.
There is no inbetween for me
But who will change the scene for me?
Don't want no-one to rob for me,
But who will find a job for me?
...I think I'd better think it out again!
I'm a bad 'un and a bad 'un I shall stay.
You'll be seeing no transformation,
But it's wrong to be a rogue in every way.
I don't want nobody hurt for me
Or made to do the dirt for me.
This rotten life is not for me
It's getting far too hot for me.
There is no inbetween for me
But who will change the scene for me?
Don't want no-one to rob for me,
But who will find a job for me?
...I think I'd better think it out again!
— Fagin, Oliver!
Video Games
Woodes Rodgers: I should have sailed there myself. One of my slave galleys would be more than capable of making a swift journey.
Laureano Torres: Slave galley? Captain, I asked you to divest yourself of that sick institution.
Woodes Rogers: I fail to see the difference between enslaving some men and all men. Our aim is to steer the entire course of civilization, is it not?
Laureano Torres: A body enslaved inspires the mind to revolt. But enslave a man's mind, and his body will follow on naturally. Efficiently.
Laureano Torres: Slave galley? Captain, I asked you to divest yourself of that sick institution.
Woodes Rogers: I fail to see the difference between enslaving some men and all men. Our aim is to steer the entire course of civilization, is it not?
Laureano Torres: A body enslaved inspires the mind to revolt. But enslave a man's mind, and his body will follow on naturally. Efficiently.
"I want to lead this city to glory, not scorch its earth."
— Lord Enver Gortash, Baldur's Gate III
Jack did not compromise his plans by killing random civilians
— Jack the Ripper's desynchronization warning message, Assassin's Creed Syndicate
"Real quick: Whoever gutted an outside trader and piked him right in front of the gates - your handiwork was impressive, but not exactly good for business. Maybe keep that shit at home?"
— Raider Radio host, Fallout 4: Nuka-World DLC
"Perhaps you think I'm some thug that'd stab a barkeep for his last copper at closing time. That it? That is not my way, as long as I am able to tax him instead."
— Axle Devrie, Neverwinter Nights 2
"One last thing, Sire... Killing innocents, and I use the term loosely, increases your Corruption level. This attracts more Evil Energy which increases your powers. However, this is rarely suitable for establishing a long-term Evil plan. That requires people, living people. Gratitude comes with its own rewards."
— Gnarl, Overlord I
"Cave Johnson here. Just wanna let the cafeteria staff know to lay off the Soylent Green. I'm holding a memo from the President, and it turns out that Soylent Green is... [paper rustling] let's see here... doubling in price. Now, listen up — I don't care how good people tastes. This stuff is costing me more than lobster, so we're going back to fish sticks."
— Soylent Cave Johnson, Portal 2: Perpetual Testing Initiative
Zagara: I have always wished to feel protoss snapping in my claws. May I?
Kerrigan: No, Zagara.
Zagara: Surely you do not think to show mercy?
Kerrigan: Violence is a tool. I use it when I have to. But a leader uses the right tool for the job.
Kerrigan: No, Zagara.
Zagara: Surely you do not think to show mercy?
Kerrigan: Violence is a tool. I use it when I have to. But a leader uses the right tool for the job.
"I put up with your insane obsession only when you are useful to me."
"Merrick, a Guardsman's life is to die. My job has always been to send them where they can die. I am not afraid to spend men, but I never waste them. [...] So, you can continue with your attempt to kill me, but killing you, Merrick, would be very... wasteful."
— Lord-General Castor, Dawn of War
Eliphas: You allow them to escape, Lord Araghast?
Araghast: Because it serves me, Eliphas! If we kill them now, we waste the value of the traitor in their ranks. Your vengeance can wait.
Araghast: Because it serves me, Eliphas! If we kill them now, we waste the value of the traitor in their ranks. Your vengeance can wait.
— Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising
"My people need security and profit. Under Hellscream, we got a whole lot of neither."
— Trade Prince Jastor Gallywix explaining his reason for joining the rebellion against Garrosh Hellscream, World of Warcraft
Ryuji Goda: You've got some unfinished business, don't ya?
Kazuma Kiryu: What do you mean?
Ryuji Goda: The bombs, buddy.
Kazuma Kiryu: You're saying you didn't put them up to it?
Ryuji Goda: That one's a Jingweon special. Wasn't my idea. I got nothin' to gain from this city burnin' down.
Kazuma Kiryu: What's that supposed to mean?
Ryuji Goda: Kamurocho's gonna be mine soon. I want it lookin' pretty for me. Who needs ashes?
Kazuma Kiryu: What do you mean?
Ryuji Goda: The bombs, buddy.
Kazuma Kiryu: You're saying you didn't put them up to it?
Ryuji Goda: That one's a Jingweon special. Wasn't my idea. I got nothin' to gain from this city burnin' down.
Kazuma Kiryu: What's that supposed to mean?
Ryuji Goda: Kamurocho's gonna be mine soon. I want it lookin' pretty for me. Who needs ashes?
"I'm after global conquest! Air supremacy, babe! Armored ships are good 'n all. But I need airborne troops, too! But being as how the magic silkworm is endangered and also very cute... I'll just take the silk I need from these losers' carpets, and use them to manufacture magic carpet uniforms for my men!"
— Ammo Baron, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
Patriarch: When Aria arrived, she had nothing but the clothes on her back. I thought she was another dancer. Hah! She killed half my men and convinced the rest she could run this place better than I did. She came for me here in this bar. We tore this place apart. She crushed one of my hearts, shattered half the bones in my body... and left me alive.
Shepard: What made her decide to leave you alive?
Patriarch: She doesn't destroy what she can use. She said I could have all my old comforts if I served as her advisor. I knew how things worked; I knew who to lean on, who to smack down, who to smile at. And everyone who respected me saw me beaten, broken. They knew that as strong as I'd been, she was stronger.
Shepard: What made her decide to leave you alive?
Patriarch: She doesn't destroy what she can use. She said I could have all my old comforts if I served as her advisor. I knew how things worked; I knew who to lean on, who to smack down, who to smile at. And everyone who respected me saw me beaten, broken. They knew that as strong as I'd been, she was stronger.
"Observation suggests the Thorian views its thralls in a utilitarian way. Care is apparently taken to avoid injuring them, much as a craftsman avoids damaging his tools. As long as no action is taken against the creature's objectives, the subjects are free to pantomime a normal existence until specifically tasked with something."
— Exogeni VI, Mass Effect
"I signed on to make a little profit. Just a quick slave-grab, nothing more."
— Charn, Mass Effect (Bring Down The Sky)
Dragonborn: Why haven't you pursued the prophecy?
Valerica: Harkon's vision is a world plunged in eternal darkness where the vampire can flourish and never again fear the "tyranny of the sun." What he fails to realize is how much attention would be called to our kind if the prophecy came to fruition.
Dragonborn: What sort of attention?
Valerica: If eternal night fell, there are many who wouldn't stand for it. They would raise armies in attempts to return things to normal. The order of the day would be our destruction until every last vampire was hunted down and eliminated.
Dragonborn: So you prefer living in the shadows.
Valerica: I do. It's how the vampire has survived for millennia, and the only way we can continue to survive in the future.
Valerica: Harkon's vision is a world plunged in eternal darkness where the vampire can flourish and never again fear the "tyranny of the sun." What he fails to realize is how much attention would be called to our kind if the prophecy came to fruition.
Dragonborn: What sort of attention?
Valerica: If eternal night fell, there are many who wouldn't stand for it. They would raise armies in attempts to return things to normal. The order of the day would be our destruction until every last vampire was hunted down and eliminated.
Dragonborn: So you prefer living in the shadows.
Valerica: I do. It's how the vampire has survived for millennia, and the only way we can continue to survive in the future.
"She would never hurt either of you. Too many people would notice if something happened. There'd be way too much unwanted attention on her."
— Morgan Fischer on her mother Evelyn, Heart of the Woods
"Those idiots! They're destroying everything! How can I take over the city and build the Eggman Empire if there is no city!?"
— Dr. Eggman, Shadow the Hedgehog
"What's London ever done for us, eh?" A One-Eyed Corsair sneers, to a chorus of ragged agreement. Quid pro quo is the order of the day when the Corsair's flag hangs high. Luckily, you have prepared a list. A neat itemisation of every trade good, liquor and piece of gleaming glass that adorns the treasuries, taverns and captain's quarters here on the rock. You follow this disclosure with a second list, detailing the damage done to the means of production of each as a result of the Starved Men's attack from above. You do not say 'wouldn't it be awful if a big rock fell onto the people who make the things you steal.' You do not need to.
You have not quite got halfway down when the captains agree to join your cause in full: all for a share of the loot, of course.
You have not quite got halfway down when the captains agree to join your cause in full: all for a share of the loot, of course.
— Recruiting the pirates of Gaider's Mourn to help defend London during the Starved Men war, Fallen London
Web Animation
"Uh, actually, sir, according to the Henchman Handbook: 'All train battles should take place on top of the train, so as not to disturb the paying customers on board.'"
— Henchman Kyle, Dr. Havoc's Diary, "Battle on Top of a Train"
"I want humanity to fear the Faunus, to know that we demand respect! I do not want to start a war with the humans that we cannot win!"
— Sienna Khan, RWBY
"If we leave that school a bloody mess, it will draw the attention of the authorities! The kingdom will be on high alert, and the White Fang's attack will be ruined!"
— Arthur Watts, RWBY
Web Comics
"While I admire the scope, Mr. Kornada is new at this. He's making an amateur's mistake. You don't kill the people you're stealing from. You want them alive and productive so you can steal from them again and again."
— Sam Starfall, Freefall
Ishiguro: We want things to go smoothly and happily. Happy colonists plan for the future, build, spend more, and take out loans. We have to think long term. I want my grandkids to be taking money from their grandkids.
Raibert: Sometimes I can't tell if you're more or less evil than other C.F.O.'s I know.
Raibert: Sometimes I can't tell if you're more or less evil than other C.F.O.'s I know.
Opal: What, no "The only one who gets to kill them is me!" tirade?
Vekter: What? No way, that's stupid. These guys are tough as hell. I'll take victory anyway I can get it.
Vekter: What? No way, that's stupid. These guys are tough as hell. I'll take victory anyway I can get it.
Elan: But wait! You're on your way to help save the world. You might die regular-honorably and betray Loki's teachings!
Hilgya Firehelm: Yeah, but I'm doing it for petty, self-serving reasons. I like my chances.
Hilgya Firehelm: Yeah, but I'm doing it for petty, self-serving reasons. I like my chances.
Nale: You're just—you're letting them GO??? They destroyed the Gate! They robbed me—you—of your prize! Aren't you going to punish them?
Tarquin: What would the point of that be? I was probably going to destroy it myself anyway.
Nale: WHAT?!?
Tarquin: Honestly, Nale, that 'plan' of yours had way too many moving parts. [...] We were never in any position to realistically pull that off. I would have preferred to secure the area and study it for a bit first, but—
Nale: You pompous buffoon! Do you have any idea how much power—
Tarquin: Power I can't access is no power at all.
Tarquin: What would the point of that be? I was probably going to destroy it myself anyway.
Nale: WHAT?!?
Tarquin: Honestly, Nale, that 'plan' of yours had way too many moving parts. [...] We were never in any position to realistically pull that off. I would have preferred to secure the area and study it for a bit first, but—
Nale: You pompous buffoon! Do you have any idea how much power—
Tarquin: Power I can't access is no power at all.
Cyrus: Eeeey, freshmeat! Didn't think I'd see YOU here!
Max: I could say the same. Since when are you a nerd?
Cyrus: I'm not! Which is why an anime convention is prime hunting ground. I'm like a pet python released into the Everglades!
Max: So what you're just...hanging around mugging people?
Cyrus: LIGHTLY mugging, thank you. I just take one or two bucks per mark. See, if I take ALL their money, they'll have a bad time at the con, and won't come back next year. It's like hunting! You don't just mow down every deer you see. You can thin the herd, but still be mindful of the overall ecology!
Max: I could say the same. Since when are you a nerd?
Cyrus: I'm not! Which is why an anime convention is prime hunting ground. I'm like a pet python released into the Everglades!
Max: So what you're just...hanging around mugging people?
Cyrus: LIGHTLY mugging, thank you. I just take one or two bucks per mark. See, if I take ALL their money, they'll have a bad time at the con, and won't come back next year. It's like hunting! You don't just mow down every deer you see. You can thin the herd, but still be mindful of the overall ecology!
Web Video
Because there's no use in murdering you and your heathen
You can grow my wheat for me after you're beaten.
You can grow my wheat for me after you're beaten.
"[Ira] is so fueled by rage and wanting to destroy this thing, I think he'll do whatever it takes. Even if it means doing the right thing."
— Fresh Cut Grass, Critical Role, "The Apogee Solstice"
Western Animation
"This has gone too far. The Ducks almost cost us the world today. And, without the world, who would we larceny against?"
— The Chairman of F.O.W.L. DuckTales (2017)
"I know Hank; he'd fight us to the bitter end! Hell, it would be if he were at the Supreme Court telling Judge Scalia against my best customers. Do you know what that could do to my business? It ain't worth it. I sold that man cars for twenty-five years, all at sticker price. Pretty good run, I'd say."
— Tom Hammond, King of the Hill
"Agent K makes a cogent point. An annihilated Earth would leave no populace, no one for me to rule."
— Alpha, Men in Black: The Series
"The Emperor has a great many plans, but causing a riot by hurting a couple of children is not one of them."
— Terra Snapdragon, The Owl House
"There is no profit to be made in the destruction of the planet. It is very bad for business."
— The Kingpin, Spider-Man: The Animated Series
Ezra Bridger: [to Seventh Sister] If you were gonna kill me, you'd have already done it.
Seventh Sister: Kill you? I have no plans to kill you... yet.
Seventh Sister: Kill you? I have no plans to kill you... yet.
M. Bison: Not having your sense of morals, I had to weigh the pros and cons of saving you.
Guile: And?
M. Bison: Self-preservation narrowly won out over the pleasure of watching you burn.
Guile: And?
M. Bison: Self-preservation narrowly won out over the pleasure of watching you burn.
Clementine Clevenger: So you never told the Sheriff to mistreat the miners?
Shere Khan: My dear, I desire only money and power. Unpresentable employees provide me with neither.
Shere Khan: My dear, I desire only money and power. Unpresentable employees provide me with neither.
— TaleSpin
"Vandal once wrote: 'It is better to capture an army than to destroy it.' He had learned that more can be gained controlling men in peace, than in the chaos of war. For war is death. Death is waste. And life should not be wasted while it may yet be controlled to serve a greater purpose."
—Cassandra Savage, Young Justice, "Evolution"
Evil Morty: Just don't force me to improve on the design [Omega Device]. I can end the Rick experiment anytime I want.
Morty: Why threaten? Why not just do it?
Evil Morty: Because using a weapon like this doesn't get you left alone, Morty. Think I want a bunch of vengeful Summers coming after me? You are a little different though, Rick. Maybe I can use that someday. Seriously though. Fuck you. Don’t come after me. It won’t go well.
Morty: Why threaten? Why not just do it?
Evil Morty: Because using a weapon like this doesn't get you left alone, Morty. Think I want a bunch of vengeful Summers coming after me? You are a little different though, Rick. Maybe I can use that someday. Seriously though. Fuck you. Don’t come after me. It won’t go well.
