“Heroism is a myth you tell idealistic young people—specifically when you want them to go bleed for you. It got one of my sons killed and another taken from me. You can keep your heroism and return to me the lives of those wasted on foolish conflicts.”

As a surgeon, Kaladin’s father, Lirin, has developed a strict philosophy of pacifism, stubbornly believing that even if Kaladin is protecting people for a righteous cause, he still should not fight because by doing so, he is playing into the very system that oppresses him. Lirin here reveals how dismissive he is of every element of warrior culture, setting the stage for his disapproval of Kaladin.

“One might assume that—in deciding to learn how to read—Dalinar would no longer worry about what was traditionally considered masculine or feminine. But the male ego could be as complicated as the most intricate fabrial.”

Navani’s observations reveal how difficult many people find change to be. Dalinar has chosen to break the socially dictated rules about reading and has offered major challenges to the Vorin Church, but he still makes decisions like having the Windrunners carry him in the cold, open air instead of riding in a traditionally female conveyance—worried that this vehicle would be emasculating.

“I didn’t like the idea of killing people who showed us honor, sir.”

Kaladin sees an unexpected reality on the battlefield: There is honor among his enemies, despite Alethi dehumanization of the singers and the Fused. Recognizing that truth, Kaladin’s knightly code does not allow him to kill those who show him honor and respect on the battlefield.