Chapter 9 preamble

The world is full of villains.The world is full of kind people.I believe both statements to be true, because in most people I know there are seeds that develop into these two very different kinds of people. Of course, some people are too timid, some people are too kind-hearted to be villains, and some people are too bad-hearted to let the good side of their personality show.But most people are in a gray area in between, and can easily be colored black or white by their interactions with other people or the environment.Race also plays a big role, and I've seen this very clearly since I've been on the surface.An elf who sees a dwarf approaching may visibly avoid it, while in the opposite case the dwarf will react in the same way, even spitting on the ground.

These first impressions may sometimes be difficult to overthrow, and sometimes they will continue, but apart from things beyond our control such as race and appearance, I have learned what I should do to others when they approach me kind of reaction. I believe the key here is a respectful attitude. When Wulfgar and I were in Luskan, we went into a tavern full of thugs who fought with knives every day.Yet another friend of mine, Captain Deudermont of the Sea Sprite, frequented those taverns, but he was seldom involved in even slight verbal confrontations.why?Why wouldn't a man who, like Deudermont, obviously possessed some wealth and social status (as can be seen in his clothes, manners, and manners) be caught up in strife like everyone else?He usually goes to those places by himself and stands quietly in front of the bar. Although he is silent, he is still a very outstanding person among the regular customers.

Was it fear that kept the villains from touching him?Are they afraid that if they offend Deudermont, they will be retaliated by his crew?Or had Deudermont earned a reputation for prowess that scared away any potential challengers? I don't think it's either.Sea Sprite's captain was certainly a skilled fighter, but that wasn't enough to deter the thugs in the tavern; his reputation for combat only brought more challengers.While Deudermont's crew is said to be difficult to deal with, some of the stronger and more united have been found dead in Luskan's gutters. No, what keeps Captain Deudermont alive is his ability to show respect to all he meets.He's a charming guy, with a good handle on his personal egos.From the very beginning when he knows someone, he will respect the other person, and it will continue until that person does something that loses his respect.This is very different from how most people see the world.Most people think that respect has to be earned, and I have found that it is difficult for many people to earn their respect! Many people, including my partners Bruno and Wulfgar, insist that if others To gain their friendship, you must first gain their respect, and I can understand their point of view, because I once held a similar point of view.

Captain Deudermont taught me a great deal while sailing south on the Sea Spirit, and though he never said a word on the subject, he taught me that it is arrogance and self-esteem to demand that others earn your respect. behavior, which implicitly means that your respect is worth earning. Deudermont took the exact opposite attitude, accepting others completely without prejudice.This might seem like a neat idea, but it's definitely not.May such a man be crowned king, for he has learned the secret of harmony.When Captain Deudermont entered a tavern full of hooligans in his best clothes, most of the people there, even the general public, thought he was superior to himself.In the process of interacting with these people, he did not reveal that he was stronger than others at all.In his eyes and in his heart, he was equal to these people, who were also intelligent beings who followed different paths from his own, neither better nor worse.He also respected those who didn't care about digging out his heart, let those people lay down their arms, and removed the reason for those people to provoke him to fight with him.

More importantly, Captain Deudermont can do this because he likes to try to see the world through other people's eyes.He was a man who could put himself in other people's shoes and take pleasure in being different from himself, not fear. How rich his life was!How many wonderful and broad experiences will there be in his life! Captain Deudermont taught me these things by example.Respect is the most basic need of rational animals, especially humans.Insults represent disrespect and a manifestation of one of the most dangerous personality traits: pride. So now when I know people, they don't need to earn my respect.I am willing and happy to honor them, hoping that by doing so I will see more of the beauty of the world and my experience will expand.

Of course, some people will think that this is cowardice, and misinterpret my intention as timid and fearful, instead of accepting the value embodiment of equality for everyone.But it wasn't fear (I'd fought too many fights to be afraid anymore) that guided what I did but hope. I hope to find another Bruno or Catti-brie, because I've learned that you can never have too many friends. So I will give you my respect, and it will not be easy for you to lose it.But if you do lose it, if you choose to dismiss my attitude as cowardice, and insist on taking advantage of it, then... Maybe I'll let you have a good talk with Guenhwyvar.

— Drizzt Do'Urden