Remain alive

For the first time the Don showed annoyance. He poured himself another glass of anisette and drank it down. He pointed a finger at his son. „You wanted to learn,“ he said. „Now listen to me. A man’s first duty is to keep himself alive. Then comes what everyone calls honor. … You are alive and he is dead. Always remember that and live your life not to be a hero but to remain alive. With time, heroes seem a little foolish.

Mario Puzo, The Sicilian